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

Should you visit Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Santa Barbara, 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. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Lancaster travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Lancaster and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lancaster and Santa Barbara can be difficult as they are each very good 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, Santa Barbara makes for a great culinary experience. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

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

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santa Barbara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Lancaster and Santa Barbara are both very good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster. 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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Santa Barbara has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Lancaster or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Lancaster or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored 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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lancaster and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Lancaster. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the picturesque destination of Lancaster. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal town of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the pristine destination of Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the opulent coastal town of Santa Barbara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Lancaster. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Lancaster or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Lancaster during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lancaster or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Santa Barbara. The winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Lancaster usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Lancaster is cooler than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Lancaster