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

Should you visit Woodstock or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Woodstock 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: Woodstock or Lancaster?

Woodstock

While this town does lend its name to the 1969 Woodstock Festival, the legendary event was actually held on a dairy farm almost 60 miles away in Bethel, NY. So if you are looking to see the field where it all happened and a museum dedicated to its history, you will need to take a day trip outside of town.

Woodstock, New York, however, does stay true to the spirit of the arts. Since 1903, the place lay home to Byrdcliffe Art Colony, the oldest of its kind in the nation, and even attracted artists of the Hudson River School during the late 1800s. Today, artists from all disciplines-visual, ceramic, music, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and poetry-take up residence at the colony and have works displayed in galleries open in the main part of town.

Tinker Street and Mill Hill Road are lined with a mix of restaurants and shops all teeming with the essence of hippie living, arts, and spirituality. From shops selling Woodstock paraphernalia, incense, and Himalayan products, to yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and local art galleries-the town of Woodstock is one dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Woodstock Festival and the arts alive.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Woodstock?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Woodstock is $154, 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 Woodstock and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Woodstock $81
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Woodstock $162
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Woodstock and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Woodstock 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 Woodstock


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Woodstock $60
    Lancaster $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Woodstock or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Woodstock 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
    Woodstock $34
    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.
    Woodstock $35
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Lancaster Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $24
  • Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $36
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
  • Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Woodstock $22
    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 Woodstock and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Woodstock much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Woodstock would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Woodstock 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 Woodstock.

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


Which is Bigger, Woodstock or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Woodstock. When comparing the sizes of Woodstock 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 Woodstock 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 Woodstock or Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Woodstock as well as Lancaster. Additionally, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Woodstock is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 74°F (24°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 Woodstock this time of the year. In the summer, Woodstock often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Woodstock gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

Woodstock usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lancaster. Woodstock gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Woodstock 74°F (24°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Woodstock or Lancaster in the Autumn?

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

Woodstock is cooler than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Woodstock averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Woodstock usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during autumn. Woodstock gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Woodstock usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Woodstock gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Woodstock 53°F (12°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Woodstock or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Woodstock during the winter are popular places to visit. 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. Woodstock can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Woodstock is much colder than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Woodstock in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Woodstock often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Woodstock gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Woodstock usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Woodstock gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Woodstock 25°F (-4°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Woodstock or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Woodstock and Lancaster. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, Woodstock is generally cooler than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 49°F (10°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 Woodstock, it's very sunny this time of the year. Woodstock usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during spring. Woodstock gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Woodstock usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Woodstock gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Woodstock 49°F (10°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Woodstock

Woodstock Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 28°F (-2°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 69°F (21°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 30°F (-1°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)