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

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

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.

Tallahassee and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 Tallahassee or Lancaster?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lancaster than Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lancaster is very popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its nightlife. Lancaster is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its history and long running Amish community. It is also well known for Bird-in-Hand Village. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Lancaster

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Lancaster and Tallahassee.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.


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

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Lancaster is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lancaster is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Tallahassee is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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 the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Lancaster?

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Lancaster is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.


Is Tallahassee or Lancaster Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Lancaster is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Lancaster is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee or Lancaster Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Tallahassee is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a great city to visit as a student. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Lancaster

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Lancaster

Tallahassee and Lancaster are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lancaster than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

Families should spend more time in Lancaster than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Lancaster? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Lancaster 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Lancaster?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque town of Lancaster. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Tallahassee. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the youthful city of Tallahassee. 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.

The picturesque town of Lancaster offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Tallahassee or Lancaster?

Tallahassee 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Lancaster. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Lancaster $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    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.
    Tallahassee $12
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $247
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $482
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $375

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
    Tallahassee $53
    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 Tallahassee and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Tallahassee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallahassee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Lancaster?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°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 Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lancaster. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Lancaster. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. In January, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Lancaster. Additionally, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

Tallahassee is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°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 Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Lancaster. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)