A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Bangor for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Atlantic City and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • 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


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlantic City than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Bangor is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Atlantic City is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Also, Atlantic City is famous for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Atlantic City different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Bangor?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.


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

Atlantic City
Bangor

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Bangor both to be notable destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Bangor has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Atlantic City or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

In Atlantic City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Atlantic City or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Atlantic City is a city with good options for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atlantic City. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Bangor?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bangor and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Atlantic City or Bangor Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bangor. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.


Is Atlantic City or Bangor Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Atlantic City is a city with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Atlantic City is a good city for couples to visit. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City
Bangor

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

Atlantic City is a good city to visit for backpackers. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City
Bangor

Atlantic City is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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


Is Atlantic City or Bangor a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Bangor

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Bangor?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Atlantic City or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Bangor. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Bangor?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. 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.


Five days in Atlantic City or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bangor. 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.

A week in Atlantic City or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the flashy destination of Atlantic City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Atlantic City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, 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 Atlantic City and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City


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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlantic City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Atlantic City:

  • Atlantic City International Airport One Way Transfer : $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $68
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $50
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Sea Rocket Sunrise Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $22
  • Sea Rocket Early Bird Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
  • Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $34
  • OC Bay Hopper - Sunset Cruise: $40
  • OC Bay Hopper - Ice Cream Cruise: $40
  • OC Bay Hopper Sunset Cruise (Departs West OC): $40

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
    Atlantic City $39
    Bangor $23


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

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


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Bangor?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Bangor. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches 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 July, Atlantic City is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Bangor. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlantic City 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. It's quite cold in Atlantic City in the winter. In the winter, Atlantic City is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Bangor. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Bangor in the Spring?

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

In April, Atlantic City is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bangor. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)