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

Should you visit Columbus or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Lancaster? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

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.

Columbus and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Columbus or Lancaster?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lancaster than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lancaster is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its nightlife. Lancaster is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its history and long running Amish community. Also, Lancaster is famous for Bird-in-Hand Village. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus
Lancaster

Lancaster is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.


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

Columbus
Lancaster

Lancaster is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus 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 Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Columbus
Lancaster

Columbus 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 Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus or Lancaster?

Columbus
Lancaster

Lancaster is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.


Is Columbus or Lancaster Better for Families?

Columbus
Lancaster

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Lancaster.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Columbus or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Columbus
Lancaster

Lancaster is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus 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 Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Columbus
Lancaster

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Columbus
Lancaster

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbus and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lancaster than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

Families should spend more time in Lancaster than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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.


  • How many days in Columbus or Lancaster? Ideal Length of Stay
    Columbus 1-2 
    Lancaster 2-3

One day in Columbus or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Columbus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Lancaster offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Columbus. 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.

Lancaster is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lancaster, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Columbus or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Columbus. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Lancaster?

Columbus 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Columbus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, 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 Columbus and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $72
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $144
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Columbus 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.

Hotels in Columbus


Hotels in Lancaster


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: Columbus Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $50
    Lancaster $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Columbus 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Columbus $49
    Lancaster $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $46
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbus Blue Jackets Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Nationwide Arena: $21
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $79
  • Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour: $130
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $20
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79


When comparing the travel costs between Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Columbus or Lancaster?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°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 Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Lancaster. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbus is around the same temperature as Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lancaster. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Columbus

Columbus Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)