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

Should you visit Lancaster or Avon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Avon, 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Lancaster and Avon: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Lancaster or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Avon than Lancaster, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Avon is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Avon is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Also, Avon is famous for Avon Recreation Center. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lancaster or Avon Better for Skiing?

Lancaster
Avon

Avon is a great town for skiing. However, Lancaster is not a skiing destination.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Lancaster is not a skiing destination.


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

Lancaster
Avon

Lancaster is notable for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Lancaster
Avon

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lancaster and Avon can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Lancaster is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Lancaster or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Avon

Avon 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 Avon has a few options to choose from. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

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 Lancaster or Avon Better for Resorts?

Lancaster
Avon

Avon is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Lancaster or Avon Better for Hiking?

Lancaster
Avon

Avon is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Avon has hiking trails worth exploring. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Avon?

Lancaster
Avon

Lancaster is notable for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Lancaster or Avon Better for Families?

Lancaster
Avon

Lancaster is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Avon is a family-friendly town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Lancaster or Avon Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Avon

Lancaster is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Lancaster
Avon

Avon is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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 Lancaster or Avon a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Avon

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

Avon is a somewhat walkable town. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Lancaster or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Lancaster, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

Families should spend more time in Lancaster than Avon. 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.

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


  • How many days in Lancaster or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lancaster 2-3 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Lancaster or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Lancaster. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Avon. 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 Lancaster or Avon?

Lancaster is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and skiing around the active destination of Avon. 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 Lancaster or Avon?

You'll find shopping and museums around the traditional destination of Lancaster. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic town of Avon. 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 Lancaster or Avon?

The scenic town of Lancaster offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Avon 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Lancaster?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $183, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. 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 Lancaster and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Avon? 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 Lancaster


Hotels in Avon


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $53
    Avon $67

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.
    Lancaster $19
    Avon $48

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
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of 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
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
  • Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lancaster $11
    Avon $38

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lancaster and Avon, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon than you might in Lancaster.

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


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Avon?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Avon, 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.