Should you visit Jacksonville or Lancaster?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the prices of travel for Jacksonville 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. So, let's dig into it.
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
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 Jacksonville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $176, 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 Jacksonville and Lancaster in more detail.
Accommodation
For a normal double-occupancy room in Jacksonville, $148 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Jacksonville, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is $74, such as in a hostel.
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 price of a meal in Jacksonville can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $77 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $31 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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
Jacksonville $77
Lancaster $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Private Progressive Dinner in Jacksonville for 2 to 6 People:
$300
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Private Walking Food Tour in Lancaster:
$48
Local Transportation
Jacksonville'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 $43 per person, per day on transportation in Jacksonville.
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 Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Port Canaveral:
$658
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Private transfer: Jacksonville to Jacksonville Airport (JAX):
$622
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Private transfer: Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville:
$622
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Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport:
$457
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Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport:
$453
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Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$328
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Private Jacksonville to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter:
$300
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JAX Airport Transfer to St Augustine:
$215
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Jacksonville City to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer:
$164
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Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer:
$164
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JAX Airport Transfer to Ponte Vedra Beach:
$149
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JAX Airport Transfer to Jacksonville Beach:
$129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lancaster
Also for Lancaster, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private transfer: Lancaster to Lancaster Airport (LNS):
$622
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Private Transfer from Lancaster to Manchester Airport (MAN):
$183
Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Lancaster?
Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Jacksonville 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Jacksonville can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $16 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
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 Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville:
$55
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Jacksonville Residential Architecture & History Tour:
$55
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Public Art Tour in Jacksonville:
$60
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Ride From Jax Port Cruise Terminal:
$60
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Ride To Jax Port Cruise Terminal:
$60
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The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures:
$37
Tours and Activities in Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
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Authentic Tour & Meal with an Amish Family!:
$65
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Ghost Tour of Lancaster:
$18
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Lancaster City VIP Restaurant Tour:
$75
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Lancaster County: National Toy Train Museum Admission Ticket:
$7.50
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Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour:
$65
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Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight:
$18
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Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House:
$32
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Sweet & Savory Tour of Lancaster City!:
$60
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Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience!:
$59
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Jacksonville spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
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 Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
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Jax Urban Core Brewery Tour in Jacksonville:
$48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Lancaster, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in Lancaster.
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