Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Bar Harbor?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Lancaster for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Bar Harbor or Lancaster?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Lancaster can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bar Harbor or Lancaster?
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
Lancaster
The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBar Harbor $202Lancaster $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $183. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bar Harbor and Lancaster in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBar Harbor $117Lancaster $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBar Harbor $234Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Lancaster
Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Lancaster? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bar Harbor $35Lancaster $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Lancaster?
Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Bar Harbor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBar Harbor $57Lancaster $53
Typical Food prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65
- International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bar Harbor $39Lancaster $19
Typical Entertainment prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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Sunset Cruise (for 4)$96
Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:
- 3 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit & Park Loop Road: $600
- 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit & Somes Sound: $700
- 6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Cadillac Summit, Somes Sound & Lobster Pound: $850
- 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
- Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $22
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $22
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $85
- Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
- Bar Harbor Hoppy Hour A Beer and Food Adventure: $130
- Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
- Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings: $140
Tours and Activities in Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
- Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $10
- Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
- 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
- Farm Animal Fun Tour : $22
- Lancaster Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $25
- Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $35
- Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $35
- Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
- Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $60
- Sweet & Savory Tour of Lancaster City!: $70
- Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience!: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBar Harbor $30Lancaster $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:
- Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $20
- Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Lancaster, we can see that Bar Harbor 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.
Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Lancaster?
Lancaster is bigger, and its population is about 9 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the population of Bar Harbor vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Lancaster in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Lancaster. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in July than Lancaster. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBar Harbor 69°F (21°C)Lancaster 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Bar Harbor or Lancaster in the Autumn?
Both Lancaster and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Bar Harbor is cooler than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBar Harbor 48°F (9°C)Lancaster 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Bar Harbor or Lancaster in the Winter?
Both Lancaster and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).
Bar Harbor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lancaster. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Bar Harbor or Lancaster in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).
In April, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBar Harbor 43°F (6°C)Lancaster 53°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Lancaster and Bar Harbor
| Bar Harbor | Lancaster | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°F (-8°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Feb | 20°F (-6°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Mar | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jun | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Jul | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Oct | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 37°F (3°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 24°F (-5°C) | 4 inches (100 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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