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

Should you visit Lancaster or Newport?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Newport, 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 picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster and Newport: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lancaster or Newport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Lancaster and Newport are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Newport is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster
Newport

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Newport 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 Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.


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

Lancaster
Newport

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

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Newport

Newport 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 Newport has a few options to choose from. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport Better for Beaches?

Lancaster
Newport

Newport is a great town for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.


Is Lancaster or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Lancaster
Newport

Newport is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newport to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Newport?

Lancaster
Newport

If you're looking to go shopping, Lancaster and Newport both offer plenty of excellent 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.

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Lancaster or Newport Better for Families?

Lancaster
Newport

Lancaster and Newport are both excellent 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.

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.


Is Lancaster or Newport Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Newport

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

Newport has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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

Lancaster
Newport

Newport 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 Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Newport

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Newport?

In either Lancaster or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Lancaster because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Lancaster, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Lancaster or Newport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lancaster 2-3 
    Newport 2-5

One day in Lancaster or Newport?

In Lancaster, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Newport. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Newport?

In Lancaster, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lancaster has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the seaside destination of Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newport?

Lancaster is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the seaside town of Newport. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.


A week in Lancaster or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Lancaster. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Newport

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Newport $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

Also for Newport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $87
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

For Newport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lancaster $19
    Newport $17

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

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour: $30
  • Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour: $30
  • Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $45
  • Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport: $42
  • Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Morning Mimosa Sightseeing Sail on Schooner Madeleine in Newport: $45
  • Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat: $45
  • Newport Beach Private Tour & Whale Watching Cruise: $395
  • Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle: $14
  • Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lancaster $11
    Newport $14

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 Newport, 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 Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Newport?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Newport. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lancaster is around the same temperature as Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Newport. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Lancaster or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Newport. The autumn months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

In the autumn, Lancaster is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. In the autumn, Lancaster often gets less sunshine than Newport. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets less rain in October than Newport. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C) 
    Newport 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Newport in the Winter?

Both Newport and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Newport. It's quite cold in Lancaster in the winter. In January, Lancaster is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Lancaster usually receives less sunshine than Newport during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Newport. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newport in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lancaster. In the spring, Lancaster often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets less rain in April than Newport. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Lancaster

Lancaster Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)