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

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Should you visit Tampa or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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: Tampa or Lancaster?

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Lancaster or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $136, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $146. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Lancaster $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Lancaster $146
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Lancaster $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Tampa Area to Orlando Area Transfer up to 11 One Price Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island: $120
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lancaster

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

  • Private transfer: Lancaster to Lancaster Airport (LNS): $622
  • Private Transfer from Lancaster to Manchester Airport (MAN): $183

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Tampa 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
    Tampa $34
    Lancaster $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • Private Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Lancaster $15

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • Authentic Tour & Meal with an Amish Family!: $65
  • Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $18
  • Lancaster City VIP Restaurant Tour: $75
  • Lancaster County: National Toy Train Museum Admission Ticket: $7.50
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $75
  • Amish Experience Visit-in-Person Tour of 3 Farms: $60
  • Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $18
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $32
  • Sweet & Savory Tour of Lancaster City!: $60
  • Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience!: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Lancaster $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa 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.


When is the best time to visit Tampa 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 Tampa or Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tampa is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The temperature in Tampa is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Lancaster stays around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Tampa or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Lancaster. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Tampa is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October are around 75°F (24°C), and Lancaster is about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Lancaster stays around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tampa is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The temperature in Tampa is usually 71°F (22°C) in April, and Lancaster stays around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Tampa

Tampa Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Tampa vs. Lancaster Travel Comparison

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