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

Should you visit Savannah or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Savannah and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Savannah than Lancaster. Savannah is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Savannah is better known for its food, beaches, and historical sights, while Lancaster is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Savannah different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Savannah and Lancaster have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Many visitors head to Lancaster specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Savannah is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Savannah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Savannah is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Savannah has a beach worth visiting. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Lancaster Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Savannah to see the historical old town. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Lancaster?

Both Savannah and Lancaster are very good shopping destinations.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Lancaster is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Savannah or Lancaster Better for Families?

Lancaster is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Savannah or Lancaster Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Lancaster make for a very good place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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.

Is Savannah or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah 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 Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

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 Savannah or Lancaster Better for Students?

Savannah 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 Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Both Savannah and Lancaster offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

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.

Is Savannah or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Savannah is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Savannah and Lancaster. In our opinion, Savannah has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Savannah than Lancaster. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

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

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

One day in Savannah or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Savannah. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Lancaster offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Savannah. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Lancaster is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lancaster, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Savannah. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lancaster is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Lancaster?

Savannah is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Lancaster?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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 Savannah or Lancaster?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Savannah or Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Lancaster. Many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savannah is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the summer, Savannah often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

Savannah receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Savannah in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Savannah is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Savannah or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Savannah during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. In the winter, Savannah is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lancaster. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Lancaster. The spring months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, Savannah is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Savannah