A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Lancaster vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Lancaster or Las Vegas?

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

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

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lancaster and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lancaster or Las Vegas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Lancaster. Las Vegas is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Lancaster is more popular for its impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.


Is Lancaster or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Lancaster is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Lancaster is not a theatre destination.

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

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Las Vegas Better for Music?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Is Lancaster or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Las Vegas?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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.


Is Lancaster or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Lancaster is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Lancaster or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for couples. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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 Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

Lancaster and Las Vegas both offer respectable 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.


Is Lancaster or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Las Vegas?

Both Lancaster and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Lancaster. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Lancaster, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.


  • How many days in Lancaster or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lancaster 2-3 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Lancaster or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Lancaster. 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.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Lancaster. 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.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Lancaster or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional town of Lancaster. 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.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.

A week in Lancaster or Las Vegas?

Lancaster 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.

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, one week is sufficent for most. 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, Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas


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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Las Vegas $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $2,000
  • West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $509
  • Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: To Las Vegas by Luxury Limo: $245
  • Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $238
  • Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $210
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $202
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $202
  • From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
  • Manila ATV Mountain Trail Adventure(with Transfers***): $175
  • Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
  • Private One Way Transfer from McCarran Airport to Las Vegas Strip Hotels by SUV : $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $80

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 Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
  • Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
  • Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
  • Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lancaster $19
    Las Vegas $78

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 Las Vegas

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


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

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

  • 2 Hour Nellis Dunes ATV Tour from Las Vegas : $98
  • 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
  • 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
  • All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
  • Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
  • Manila; Walking Foods and Drinks Tour : $70
  • Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
  • Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
  • 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
  • 1 Day Tour at Valley of Fire and Zion Park: $209
  • 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
  • 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lancaster $11
    Las Vegas $55

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 Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
  • Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69


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


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Las Vegas, 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.