Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Lancaster can help you decide which place is right for you.
Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
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.
You'll generally find more things to do in Washington than Lancaster. Washington is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Washington is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lancaster and Washington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Washington is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Washington has many famous sights for visitors. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.
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.
Washington is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Lancaster is not a theatre destination.
Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.
Lancaster is not a theatre destination.
Washington is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Washington is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.
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.
Washington is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.
The nightlife in Washington has something for everybody. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.
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.
Washington is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.
The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.
Lancaster is not a live music destination.
Washington is adequate for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.
Hiking is a fun activity while in Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.
Lancaster is not a hiking destination.
If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Lancaster both offer plenty of excellent spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.
Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.
Washington is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lancaster does not offer Christmas activities.
People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Washington. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.
Lancaster does not offer Christmas activities.
You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Lancaster.
Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.
Lancaster is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
Both Washington and Lancaster are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.
Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.
Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.
Washington is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.
Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.
Lancaster is not popular with students.
Washington is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.
Public transit in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.
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.
Washington is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.
Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very 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 Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Lancaster. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.
Families should spend more time in Washington than Lancaster. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Washington, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Washington than Lancaster. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Washington that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington 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 Washington.
People visit Washington because there is so much to do. 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.
With museums and food around the scenic town of Lancaster, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
People visit Washington because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
With food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.
People visit Washington because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Lancaster, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Washington is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Lancaster is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, 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 Washington and Lancaster in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Washington 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Washington 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:
When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Lancaster, we can see that Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.
Washington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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.
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.
Both Lancaster and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), 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 Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Lancaster and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Washington is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In the autumn, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lancaster. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Lancaster. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Lancaster can be very cold during winter. Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).
Washington usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Lancaster. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty.
In April, Washington is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), 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 Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Washington | Lancaster | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |