Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Lancaster?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lancaster or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
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.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLancaster $183Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $183, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $141. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLancaster $91Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLancaster $182Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lancaster $69Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.35
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.71
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $611
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $602
- Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $570
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $425
- Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $425
- Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $292
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $283
- Private Transfer, Langley, BC to Vancouver International Airport-VIP Sedan: $280
- Vancouver Cruise Transfers/ City Sightseeing Tour Private: $277
- Private Transfer from Vancouver (YVR) Airport to Vancouver City: $269
- Private Transfer from Vancouver City to Vancouver (YVR) Airport: $269
Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 $53Vancouver $31
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 Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $78
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $85
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $93
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $96
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $111
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- Downtown Vancouver Asian Eats - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
- Granville Island Uncorked Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $156
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lancaster $19Vancouver $36
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 Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $220
- Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $131
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $146
- Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $198
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour - Vancouver's Highlights: $256
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,411
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
- 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,411
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLancaster $11Vancouver $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
- Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $93
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $149
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $168
- Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lancaster and Vancouver, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster than you might in Vancouver.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lancaster Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
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 Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Lancaster is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lancaster in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLancaster 77°F (25°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Lancaster or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Lancaster during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Lancaster is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 56°F (13°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lancaster usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLancaster 56°F (13°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Lancaster or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Lancaster can be very cold during winter. Lancaster is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLancaster 30°F (-1°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Lancaster or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Lancaster is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lancaster in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In the spring, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Lancaster usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLancaster 53°F (12°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Lancaster
| Lancaster | Vancouver | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.