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

Should you visit Cleveland or Lancaster?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland 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.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cleveland than Lancaster. Cleveland is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cleveland is better known for its nightlife and music, while Lancaster is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Lancaster is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its history and long running Amish community. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. Also, Cleveland is famous for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Cleveland different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Cleveland or Lancaster.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cleveland can be an interesting and educational experience. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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 Cleveland or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Lancaster. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Cleveland or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cleveland has a few options to choose from. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

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 Cleveland or Lancaster Better for Music?

Cleveland is a great city for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Cleveland has a thriving music scene. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Lancaster?

Lancaster is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Cleveland or Lancaster Better for Families?

Lancaster is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Cleveland or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Lancaster is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Cleveland and Lancaster.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

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 Cleveland or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Cleveland and Lancaster are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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 Cleveland Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cleveland and Lancaster. In our opinion, Lancaster has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lancaster than Cleveland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lancaster than Cleveland 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 Lancaster.

One day in Cleveland or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cleveland. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer. 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 Cleveland or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Cleveland. 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.

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 Cleveland or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the under-rated city of Cleveland. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic 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 Cleveland or Lancaster?

Cleveland 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cleveland and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Cleveland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cleveland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cleveland 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 Cleveland.

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Lancaster?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Lancaster. The summer months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In July, Cleveland is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during summer. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cleveland or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Lancaster. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cleveland is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cleveland 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. In the winter, Cleveland is much colder than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cleveland or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Cleveland during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cleveland is generally cooler than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cleveland. In the spring, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Cleveland