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

Should you visit Lancaster or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Portland, 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. 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 shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Lancaster and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Portland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Portland than Lancaster. Portland is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Portland is better known for its nightlife, music, hiking, and small town charm, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Lancaster is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Lancaster. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Lancaster or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland 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 Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Is Lancaster or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Portland?

Lancaster is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Lancaster or Portland Better for Families?

Lancaster is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Lancaster or Portland Better for Couples?

Lancaster is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Lancaster or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Portland 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 Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Portland a more walkable city?

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

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Lancaster than Portland. 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 Portland. 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.

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

One day in Lancaster or Portland?

The beautiful town of Lancaster offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. 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 Portland?

Lancaster is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lancaster, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the quirky destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Lancaster is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the nature-filled city of Portland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lancaster or Portland?

Lancaster is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Portland 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 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Lancaster and Portland, 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Portland. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lancaster is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lancaster in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lancaster usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Portland. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lancaster or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lancaster is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 56°F (13°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Portland. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. Lancaster is much colder than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Portland. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lancaster or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lancaster is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lancaster in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, 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 Portland. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Lancaster