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

Should you visit Wilmington or Lancaster?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Lancaster, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

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.

Wilmington and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Wilmington than Lancaster. Wilmington is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Wilmington is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Also, Wilmington is famous for the Battleship North Carolina. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Wilmington different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Both Wilmington and Lancaster offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Lancaster. 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 Wilmington or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a great city for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Lancaster Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Lancaster?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Wilmington or Lancaster Better for Families?

Wilmington and Lancaster are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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.

Is Wilmington or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Lancaster are both superb to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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.

Is Wilmington or Lancaster Better for Students?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington and Lancaster both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable city. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wilmington and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than in Lancaster. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

Families should spend more time in Wilmington than Lancaster. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Wilmington, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wilmington. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 picturesque 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.

A weekend in Wilmington or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

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.

Five days in Wilmington or Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Wilmington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

A week in Wilmington or Lancaster?

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and Lancaster, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Lancaster?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In July, Wilmington is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°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 Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Wilmington is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Lancaster. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Wilmington