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

Should you visit Asheville 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 Asheville 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Asheville travel costs.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Bangor travel costs.

Asheville and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Bangor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Bangor are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bangor is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Asheville is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is Asheville different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangor is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Asheville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Asheville is an experience not to be missed. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Asheville or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville or Bangor Better for Music?

Asheville is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville is very popular with diverse venues. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Bangor is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town charm. However, Bangor does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Bangor?

Asheville 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 Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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

Is Asheville or Bangor More Beautiful?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Asheville or Bangor Better for Families?

Asheville is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Bangor is a family-friendly mountain town. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Is Asheville or Bangor Better for Couples?

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

Asheville is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

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 Asheville or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

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 Asheville or Bangor Better for Students?

Asheville is a well-known place for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Bangor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Bangor.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

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

Is Asheville or Bangor a more walkable city?

Asheville and Bangor both are good when exploring on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Asheville or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Asheville than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

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

One day in Asheville or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Bangor. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Bangor?

Asheville 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.

You'll find museums and food around the friendly destination of Bangor. 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.

Five days in Asheville or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly town of Bangor. 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 Asheville or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the eclectic destination of Asheville. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bangor 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Bangor?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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 Asheville or Bangor?

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 Asheville or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Bangor. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, 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.

In the summer, Asheville is a little warmer than Bangor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Bangor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Bangor. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In October, Asheville is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Asheville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bangor. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bangor. Asheville is much warmer than Bangor in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Bangor. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Asheville is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Bangor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Bangor. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Asheville