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

Should you visit Roanoke or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

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.

Roanoke and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Lancaster?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Roanoke than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Roanoke is very popular for its nightlife and hiking, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also well known for the Roanoke Star. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Roanoke different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Lancaster is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great town for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Lancaster?

Lancaster is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Lancaster More Beautiful?

Lancaster is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Lancaster Better for Families?

Lancaster is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Lancaster Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Roanoke and Lancaster make for a very good place to visit.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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 Roanoke or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Roanoke and Lancaster are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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 Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Lancaster?

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

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

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

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

One day in Roanoke or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Lancaster, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Roanoke. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Lancaster, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lancaster has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Roanoke. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Lancaster?

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Lancaster. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Roanoke and Lancaster, 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 Roanoke Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Lancaster?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Roanoke is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, 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 Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Roanoke is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Lancaster. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. 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. Roanoke can be very cold during winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Lancaster. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, 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 Roanoke this time of the year. In the spring, Roanoke often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lancaster. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Roanoke