A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Bangor for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Bangor?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Bangor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Alexandria and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Alexandria and Bangor are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Alexandria different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Bangor?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Bangor is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.


Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Bangor

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Bangor can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Bangor offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Alexandria or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Bangor?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Alexandria or Bangor Better for Families?

Alexandria
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Bangor offers lots of family activities. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Bangor Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.


Is Alexandria or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alexandria is a good city to visit for backpackers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.

Is Alexandria or Bangor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Is Alexandria or Bangor a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Bangor

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Bangor is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Bangor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alexandria or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alexandria than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Bangor 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Alexandria or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Alexandria or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the friendly town of Bangor, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangor, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Alexandria or Bangor?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Bangor, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Alexandria or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bangor, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Alexandria or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Alexandria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bangor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Alexandria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Bangor is $197. 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 Alexandria and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Bangor? 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 Alexandria


Hotels in Bangor


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Bangor, we can see that Bangor is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Bangor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangor than you might in Alexandria.

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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Bangor?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Bangor, 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 Alexandria or Bangor?

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 Alexandria or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Alexandria usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bangor. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In the autumn, Alexandria is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Bangor. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Bangor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bangor. It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Bangor. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

Alexandria is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Bangor. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Alexandria

Alexandria Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)