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

Should you visit Memphis or Lancaster?

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

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

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Memphis and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Lancaster?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Lancaster is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its history and long running Amish community. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lancaster and Memphis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Memphis or Lancaster?

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

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.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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

Foodies will find both Memphis and Lancaster both to be nice destinations.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Lancaster Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Lancaster?

Lancaster is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Lancaster Better for Families?

Lancaster is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Lancaster is a great town for couples. Also, Memphis 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Memphis or Lancaster Better for Students?

Memphis 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 Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Memphis and Lancaster both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Lancaster. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Memphis or Lancaster?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. 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.

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.

A weekend in Memphis or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the soulful destination of Memphis. 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.

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.

Five days in Memphis or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Memphis or Lancaster?

Memphis 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Lancaster?

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

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 Memphis or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Memphis is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Memphis is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Lancaster. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

Memphis is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the spring, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Lancaster. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Memphis