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

Should you visit Lancaster or Phoenix?

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

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

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster and Phoenix: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lancaster or Phoenix?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Phoenix than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Phoenix is very popular for its nightlife and hiking, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Lancaster is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its history and long running Amish community. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also well known for Desert Botanical Garden.

How is Lancaster different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster
Phoenix

Lancaster is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.


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

Lancaster
Phoenix

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lancaster and Phoenix can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Lancaster or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Phoenix

Phoenix 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 Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Lancaster
Phoenix

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

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Phoenix?

Lancaster
Phoenix

Lancaster is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Lancaster or Phoenix Better for Families?

Lancaster
Phoenix

Lancaster is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Lancaster or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Phoenix

Lancaster is a great town for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Lancaster is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.


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

Lancaster
Phoenix

Lancaster and Phoenix both offer reasonable 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Lancaster or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Phoenix

Lancaster and Phoenix are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lancaster and Phoenix. In our opinion, Lancaster has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lancaster than Phoenix. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Lancaster, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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


  • How many days in Lancaster or Phoenix? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lancaster 2-3 
    Phoenix 1-3

One day in Lancaster or Phoenix?

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 city of Phoenix. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Lancaster or Phoenix?

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 desert destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the desert city of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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 The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $149
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $96
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

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 Phoenix

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


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lancaster $19
    Phoenix $40

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
  • 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: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • 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 Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $79
  • 1/2 DAY SONORAN DESERT HIKE. Tour, Workout or Challenge Pace.: $115
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $76
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $76
  • 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $119
  • 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
  • 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Beautiful Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
  • Black Ops Experience: $259

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lancaster $11
    Phoenix $17

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 Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Verde Valley Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix/Tempe: $199
  • Haunted Jerome Wine & Brewery tasting from Scottsdale: $225
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245


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


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix 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. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Lancaster is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. Lancaster usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix 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. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lancaster is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Lancaster often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Phoenix. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Lancaster usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

Lancaster is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In the spring, Lancaster often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Lancaster

Lancaster Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)