Should you visit Cincinnati or Lancaster?
Should I visit Cincinnati or Lancaster? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Cincinnati
Located on the north banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio having grown from its industrial heritage. It is situated in the southwest part of the state, separated from the Kentucky border by the river. The city is best known for its striking skyline and unique chili.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Lancaster or Cincinnati?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $146, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $146. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Cincinnati and Lancaster in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $82. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Cincinnati the cost is $164 on average.
The prices for places to stay in Lancaster can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $73, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $146.
Food
The average traveler spends about $44 per day in Cincinnati for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
On average, meal and food prices in Lancaster cost around $42 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $17.
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Food
Meals for one day
Cincinnati $44
Lancaster $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.
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Cincy Vegan Streetcar Food Tour in Cincinnati:
$69
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Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour + Findlay Market:
$69
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Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream:
$180
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Private Walking Food Tour in Lancaster:
$48
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Cincinnati is $20 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Lancaster's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $55 per person, per day on transportation in Lancaster.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:
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Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer:
$122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lancaster
Also for Lancaster, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Transfer from Lancaster to Manchester Airport (MAN):
$183
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Private transfer: Lancaster to Lancaster Airport (LNS):
$622
Entertainment
Cincinnati's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $21 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Lancaster can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $15 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Cincinnati
Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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1919: The year that changed baseball tour:
$30
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Best Bites and Sites City Streetcar Tour of Cincinnati:
$59
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Cellarman's Tour:
$26
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Cincinnati Ethnic Eats in Over the Rhine Food and Culture Tour:
$69
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Cincinnati Wine & Dessert Tour:
$65
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Cincy Let's Do Brunch Food, History + Streecar Tour:
$74
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Downtown Cincinnati Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone:
$24
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Explore Over-the-Rhine Cruise:
$358
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The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures:
$36
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The Original Findlay Market Tour:
$39
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Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery:
$20
Tours and Activities in Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
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Lancaster County: National Toy Train Museum Admission Ticket:
$7.50
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Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight:
$18
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Ghost Tour of Lancaster:
$18
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Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House:
$32
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Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience!:
$59
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Sweet & Savory Tour of Lancaster City!:
$60
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Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour:
$65
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Authentic Tour & Meal with an Amish Family!:
$65
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Lancaster City VIP Restaurant Tour:
$75
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Cincinnati may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $9.11 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Lancaster, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $9.14.
Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati
Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl:
$12
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Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop:
$64
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Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Tour:
$65
When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Lancaster, we can see that Cincinnati 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.
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