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

Should you visit Lancaster or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Seattle, 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. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lancaster and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Seattle is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Seattle 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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Lancaster or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Lancaster is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Lancaster is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Seattle has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great city for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Seattle has a thriving music scene. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Is Lancaster or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Lancaster or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Seattle?

Lancaster is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Lancaster or Seattle Better for Families?

Lancaster is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is known to be 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Lancaster or Seattle Better for Couples?

Lancaster is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Lancaster or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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 Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and 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 Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lancaster and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle than Lancaster. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seattle that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Lancaster or Seattle?

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.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 Seattle?

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.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 Seattle?

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 live music when visiting the outdoorsy city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Seattle?

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

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Lancaster during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lancaster. In the summer, Lancaster often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Seattle. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lancaster is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Seattle. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lancaster or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Seattle. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Lancaster usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Lancaster is around the same temperature as Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Seattle. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Lancaster