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

Should you visit Bangor 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 Bangor 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.

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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Bangor and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bangor or Lancaster?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lancaster. Although Bangor and Lancaster are popular destinations, Lancaster has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lancaster is very popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lancaster is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its history and long running Amish community. It is also well known for Bird-in-Hand Village. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangor
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 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.

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 Bangor or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangor
Lancaster

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bangor and Lancaster can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Lancaster. 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 Bangor or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Lancaster

Both Bangor and Lancaster are reasonable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Bangor specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Lancaster. 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 the Shopping Better in Bangor or Lancaster?

Bangor
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 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.

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


Is Bangor or Lancaster Better for Families?

Bangor
Lancaster

Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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

Is Bangor or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Bangor
Lancaster

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

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.

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

Bangor
Lancaster

Both Bangor and Lancaster offer reasonable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly 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 Bangor or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Bangor
Lancaster

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Bangor is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown is compact and easy to 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 Bangor Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangor and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lancaster than in Bangor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

Families should spend more time in Lancaster than Bangor. 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 Bangor. 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster.


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

One day in Bangor or Lancaster?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lancaster. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bangor or Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster 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.


Five days in Bangor or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back 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.

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

A week in Bangor or Lancaster?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Lancaster. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Bangor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $197, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $183. 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 Bangor and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Lancaster? 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 Bangor


Hotels in Lancaster


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: Bangor Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Lancaster $69

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 Bangor or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Bangor 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
    Bangor $54
    Lancaster $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Lancaster $19
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

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $36
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
  • Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

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

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79


When comparing the travel costs between Bangor and Lancaster, we can see that Bangor 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 Bangor Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Bangor 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 Bangor 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 Bangor or Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Lancaster. Most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.

Bangor is cooler than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Bangor usually gets less rain in July than Lancaster. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Lancaster in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Bangor is cooler than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In October, Bangor usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Bangor or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Bangor during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bangor 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. It's quite cold in Bangor in the winter. In January, Bangor is generally much colder than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Bangor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lancaster. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

Bangor is much colder than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In April, Bangor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Bangor

Bangor Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)