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

Should you visit Nashville or Lancaster?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Lancaster can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern 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 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.

Nashville and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nashville than Lancaster. Nashville is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nashville is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Nashville different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville
Lancaster

Lancaster is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.


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

Nashville
Lancaster

Foodies will find both Nashville and Lancaster both to be notable destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Nashville or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Lancaster

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

The nightlife in Nashville has something for everybody. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Lancaster Better for Music?

Nashville
Lancaster

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

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Lancaster is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Lancaster

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Lancaster?

Nashville
Lancaster

Lancaster is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Lancaster Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Lancaster

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lancaster does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Lancaster does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Lancaster Better for Families?

Nashville
Lancaster

Lancaster is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville 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 Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Nashville or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Nashville
Lancaster

Lancaster is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville 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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Nashville or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Lancaster

Nashville 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 Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Nashville
Lancaster

Lancaster is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Nashville
Lancaster

Lancaster is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville 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 Nashville. 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 Nashville. 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 Nashville 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 Nashville.


  • How many days in Nashville or Lancaster? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Lancaster 2-3

One day in Nashville or Lancaster?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Lancaster. 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 Nashville or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Nashville. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern city of Nashville. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Lancaster. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Lancaster?

Nashville 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.

Lancaster 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Nashville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $172, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $183. 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 Nashville and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Lancaster? 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.

Hotels in Nashville


Hotels in Lancaster


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: Nashville Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Lancaster $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Private Transfer Nashville To|From International Airport : $88
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Nashville 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nashville $41
    Lancaster $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Neighborhood Food Tour on E-bikes: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour: $39
  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • Nashville Ghosts: Hauntings of Music City Tour By Junket: $30
  • "Murder in Music City" Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour of Nashville: $35
  • 1 Hour Nashville Insider Photoshoot Tour in the Gulch: $79
  • 2 Hour Narrated Sightseeing Tractor Tour of Nashville: $59
  • 2-Hour Guided E-Bicycle Sightseeing Tour of Nashville: $117
  • 90-Minute Legends of Music City Guided Historical Walking Tour: $39
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventure Park Ziplining and Climbing in Nashville : $52
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Night-Time Pub Crawl in Nashville: $30
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30

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 Nashville 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 Nashville Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Lancaster?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Lancaster. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Lancaster. The autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Nashville is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the autumn, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. In the winter, Nashville is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Nashville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the spring, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Lancaster. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Nashville

Nashville Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)