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

Should you visit Lancaster or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Monterey, 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Lancaster travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Monterey travel costs.

Lancaster and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Lancaster and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Monterey is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Monterey and Lancaster.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lancaster and Monterey can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Lancaster has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Lancaster or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Monterey has something for everybody. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Lancaster or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lancaster or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Monterey?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lancaster and Monterey both offer plenty of great spots.

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.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Lancaster or Monterey More Beautiful?

Lancaster is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lancaster or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lancaster or Monterey Better for Couples?

Lancaster and Monterey are both great to visit as a couple.

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.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Lancaster or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey 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 Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Lancaster or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lancaster and Monterey. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Monterey than Lancaster. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Lancaster, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

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

One day in Lancaster or Monterey?

The beautiful town of Lancaster offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Lancaster or Monterey?

Lancaster is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lancaster, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. 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.

Five days in Lancaster or Monterey?

Lancaster is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Monterey. 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.

A week in Lancaster or Monterey?

Lancaster is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Monterey 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Lancaster and Monterey, 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Monterey?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Monterey, 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 Lancaster or Monterey?

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 Lancaster or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Monterey. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Monterey. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lancaster or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Monterey. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lancaster is cooler than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can be very cold during winter. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Monterey. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lancaster or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

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

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Lancaster