A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America North Conway vs. Lancaster for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit North Conway or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit North Conway or Lancaster? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: North Conway or Lancaster?

North Conway

North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or North Conway?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $224, 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 North Conway and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    North Conway $125
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    North Conway $250
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in North Conway and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in North Conway 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 North Conway


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: North Conway Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    North Conway $52
    Lancaster $69

Is it cheaper to fly into North Conway or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and North Conway 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
    North Conway $64
    Lancaster $53

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.
    North Conway $38
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in North Conway

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.

  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Littleton, NH: $39
  • Kancamagus Highway: Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide: $17
  • Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    North Conway $33
    Lancaster $11

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between North Conway and Lancaster, we can see that North Conway is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 North Conway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in North Conway than you might in Lancaster.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is North Conway Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, North Conway or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway 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 North Conway 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 North Conway or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, North Conway is cooler than Lancaster. Typically, the summer temperatures in North Conway in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Lancaster averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in North Conway. North Conway usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. North Conway gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, North Conway usually receives less rain than Lancaster. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    North Conway 69°F (20°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit North Conway or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and North Conway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, North Conway is generally cooler than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 49°F (9°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, North Conway often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. North Conway gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

North Conway usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    North Conway 49°F (9°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit North Conway or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and Lancaster. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. North Conway can be very cold during winter. North Conway is much colder than Lancaster in the winter. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

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

In January, North Conway usually receives more rain than Lancaster. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    North Conway 21°F (-6°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit North Conway or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to North Conway as well as Lancaster. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In the spring, North Conway is much colder than Lancaster. Typically, the spring temperatures in North Conway in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Lancaster averages at about 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 North Conway this time of the year. In the spring, North Conway often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. North Conway gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

North Conway usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lancaster. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    North Conway 43°F (6°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and North Conway

North Conway Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)