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

Should you visit Lancaster or Juneau?

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

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

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Lancaster and Juneau: Pros and Cons

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
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Lancaster or Juneau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Juneau. Although Lancaster and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Juneau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Juneau is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier. Lancaster is popular for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster
Juneau

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Juneau and Lancaster.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.


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

Lancaster
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Juneau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Lancaster or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Juneau

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find decent options in both Lancaster and Juneau.

Lancaster doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Juneau specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Lancaster or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Lancaster
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Juneau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Juneau?

Lancaster
Juneau

If you're looking to go shopping, Lancaster and Juneau both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Juneau is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Lancaster or Juneau Better for Families?

Lancaster
Juneau

Lancaster and Juneau are both very good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster. 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.

Juneau is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Lancaster or Juneau Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Juneau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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.


Is Lancaster or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lancaster
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Lancaster
Juneau

Lancaster and Juneau both offer decent public transit to get you around.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Lancaster or Juneau a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lancaster and Juneau. In our opinion, Juneau has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Juneau than Lancaster. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Juneau than Lancaster. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Juneau, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Juneau than Lancaster. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Juneau that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau 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 Juneau.


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

One day in Lancaster or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lancaster. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Juneau. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Juneau?

Lancaster is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Lancaster or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic city of Juneau. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Lancaster or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Lancaster. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau 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 Juneau is $160. 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 Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Juneau? 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 Juneau


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 Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Juneau $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau 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
    Juneau $49

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
    Juneau $17

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hours Fishing Experience Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $245
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200
  • From Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour: $850
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lancaster $11
    Juneau $16

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 Lancaster and Juneau, 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Juneau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Juneau?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Juneau, 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 Juneau?

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 Lancaster or Juneau in the Summer?

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

In July, Lancaster is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 77°F (25°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. In the summer, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lancaster usually gets less rain in July than Juneau. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Juneau in the Autumn?

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

Lancaster is much warmer than Juneau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Juneau. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Juneau in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Juneau in the winter. The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In the winter, Lancaster is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lancaster in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Juneau averages at about 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Lancaster usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Juneau in the Spring?

Both Juneau and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Juneau for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Juneau. In April, Lancaster is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 53°F (12°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Juneau. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Lancaster

Lancaster Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)