A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Lancaster vs. Fairfield for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lancaster or Fairfield?

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

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

Where Should I go: Lancaster or Fairfield?

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.

Fairfield

The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.

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, Fairfield 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 Fairfield is $131. 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 Fairfield in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Fairfield $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Fairfield

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Fairfield? 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 Fairfield


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 Fairfield Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Fairfield -

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Fairfield?

Prices for flights to both Fairfield 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
    Fairfield $30

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

Typical Food Prices in Fairfield

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:


  • El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)
    $17
  • Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)
    $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lancaster $19
    Fairfield $13

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
  • From Philadelphia: Lancaster County Amish Community Tour: $179
  • 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: 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
    Lancaster $11
    Fairfield -

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:

  • Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Fairfield?

Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Fairfield, 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 Lancaster or Fairfield?

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 Lancaster or Fairfield in the Summer?

Both Fairfield and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In the summer, Lancaster is a little warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lancaster in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Fairfield averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. Lancaster usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Fairfield 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Fairfield in the Autumn?

Both Fairfield and Lancaster during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Fairfield, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Lancaster often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 300 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Fairfield. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Lancaster or Fairfield in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Fairfield. 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. Lancaster is much colder than Fairfield in the winter. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Fairfield during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Fairfield. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Fairfield 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Fairfield in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Fairfield. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lancaster is cooler than Fairfield. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lancaster in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Fairfield averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fairfield. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In the spring, Lancaster often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Fairfield. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Fairfield 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Fairfield and Lancaster

Lancaster Fairfield
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)