A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Lancaster for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Lancaster?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Lancaster can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Tulum travel costs.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Lancaster travel costs.

Tulum and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Lancaster?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Lancaster, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Tulum different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Lancaster. 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Lancaster.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Lancaster has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Tulum or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Lancaster Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Tulum are among the best in the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Lancaster?

Both Tulum and Lancaster are high quality shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Lancaster is well-known for its shopping. 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 Tulum or Lancaster More Beautiful?

Tulum and Lancaster both are comparable with their high quality scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Lancaster is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Is Tulum or Lancaster Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Lancaster are high quality to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lancaster is very family-friendly. 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 Tulum or Lancaster Better for Couples?

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

Tulum has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Lancaster a more walkable city?

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

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Lancaster?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Tulum. 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.

In Lancaster, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this picturesque destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Lancaster?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical destination of Tulum. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Lancaster?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the ancient town of Tulum. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Lancaster is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Lancaster. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Lancaster?

Tulum 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Lancaster. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Lancaster. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), 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 Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Tulum is much warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Lancaster. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Tulum