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

Should you visit Greensboro or Lancaster?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Greensboro and Lancaster. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a traditional, picturesque, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Greensboro and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
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 Greensboro or Lancaster?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lancaster than Greensboro. While Greensboro is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lancaster is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Greensboro is known for its nightlife. Lancaster is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its history and long running Amish community. It is also home to Bird-in-Hand Village. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Greensboro
Lancaster

Lancaster is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greensboro. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.


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

Greensboro
Lancaster

Lancaster is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Greensboro or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Lancaster

Greensboro 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 Greensboro has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

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 Greensboro or Lancaster?

Greensboro
Lancaster

Lancaster is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Greensboro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.


Is Greensboro or Lancaster Better for Families?

Greensboro
Lancaster

Lancaster is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Greensboro offers lots of family activities. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Is Greensboro or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Lancaster

Lancaster is well known for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Lancaster frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Is Greensboro or Lancaster Better for Students?

Greensboro
Lancaster

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Lancaster is not popular with students.


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

Greensboro
Lancaster

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Greensboro and Lancaster.

Public transit is generally limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Public transit is mostly 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 Greensboro or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Lancaster

Greensboro and Lancaster both are decent when exploring on foot.

Greensboro is generally not very walkable. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Greensboro Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Lancaster?

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

Families should spend more time in Lancaster than Greensboro. 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 Greensboro. 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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Lancaster? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Lancaster 2-3

One day in Greensboro or Lancaster?

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

With museums and food around the scenic town of Lancaster, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Greensboro or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Greensboro. 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Greensboro or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Greensboro. 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, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greensboro or Lancaster?

Greensboro 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Greensboro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $162, 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 Greensboro and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro 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 Greensboro


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: Greensboro Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Lancaster $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Greensboro 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
    Greensboro $48
    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.
    Greensboro $26
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

Here are a few actual costs in Greensboro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • African American History Walking Tour: $16
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • True Crime Tour: $16

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: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Lancaster Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $24
  • Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $36
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Lancaster?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro 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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Lancaster. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Lancaster averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the summer, Greensboro often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Lancaster. Most visitors come to Greensboro for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Greensboro is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 62°F (17°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Lancaster. The winter months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lancaster in the winter. The weather in Greensboro can be very cold. Greensboro is much warmer than Lancaster in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Greensboro is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the spring temperatures in Greensboro in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Lancaster averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Greensboro

Greensboro Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)