A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Lancaster for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Lancaster?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Lancaster, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Atlanta and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Lancaster?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Atlanta different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Atlanta is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Atlanta or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Lancaster?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Atlanta or Lancaster Better for Families?

Atlanta and Lancaster are both superb destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Atlanta or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Lancaster is a great town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Lancaster is a great 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

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 Atlanta or Lancaster Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Lancaster both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally 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 Atlanta or Lancaster a more walkable city?

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

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Lancaster. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Lancaster?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Lancaster, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Lancaster?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Lancaster, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lancaster has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the suburban city of Atlanta. 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.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Lancaster?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Lancaster. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Lancaster?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Lancaster?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lancaster. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Lancaster. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

Atlanta is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Lancaster. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Atlanta