Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Lancaster?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lancaster or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Tucson, 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.
Where Should I go: Lancaster or Tucson?
Lancaster
The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in the state and sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet. It's temperature is slightly milder than Phoenix and it is a pleasant place to visit. Most people arrive in the city by car, but Amtrak does travel through Tucson, as does Greyhound. The area is also served by the Tucson International Airport. Once in the city, you'll likely want to have access to a car, as the city is not very pedestrian friendly and public transportation is very much lacking. Many popular and beautiful sights are also outside of town in the surrounding desert, so having access to a vehicle is paramount if you hope to visit any of the places.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLancaster $183Tucson $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $183, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $157. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLancaster $91Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLancaster $182Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Tucson? 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.
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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lancaster $69Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayLancaster $53Tucson $36
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lancaster $19Tucson $16
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: 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLancaster $11Tucson $16
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 Tucson, 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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.