A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Lancaster for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Asheville or Lancaster?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Lancaster. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a traditional, picturesque, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Asheville and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Lancaster?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville than Lancaster, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Asheville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Lancaster is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate. Lancaster is popular for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Asheville different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lancaster and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Lancaster?

Lancaster is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Lancaster can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Lancaster is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Asheville has something for everybody. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Music?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Asheville has a thriving music scene. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great mountain town for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Lancaster?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lancaster and Asheville.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lancaster does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is a very popular destination during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Lancaster does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is adequate for visiting Christmas markets. However, Lancaster does not offer Christmas markets.

During the holidays, visitors often browse through the Christmas markets in Asheville. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Lancaster does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Lancaster are great family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Asheville and Lancaster both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Lancaster is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Students?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Lancaster Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Lancaster.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Asheville or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Lancaster. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Lancaster. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Lancaster. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Lancaster. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Lancaster if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Lancaster?

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Lancaster. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional town of Lancaster. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Lancaster?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lancaster is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster than you might in Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Lancaster?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Lancaster, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Asheville or Lancaster?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Asheville or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Asheville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Asheville is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Lancaster averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the summer, Asheville often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Lancaster. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Lancaster. The winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lancaster in the winter. Asheville is much warmer than Lancaster in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Asheville is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Lancaster averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Asheville