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

Should you visit Bangor or Moab?

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 Moab 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 laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and hiking.

Bangor and Moab: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Bangor or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its museums & sights and small town charm. Moab is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Also, Moab is famous for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moab 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 Moab?

Bangor
Moab

Bangor is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.


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

Bangor
Moab

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bangor and Moab can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Bangor or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Moab

Both Bangor and Moab are respectable 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 Moab. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is Bangor or Moab Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Moab

Moab is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Around Moab visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Moab?

Bangor
Moab

Both Bangor and Moab are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Bangor to go shopping. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moab. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Is Bangor or Moab Better for Families?

Bangor
Moab

Moab 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.

Moab is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

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 Moab Better for Couples?

Bangor
Moab

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

Moab is a very popular place to visit for couples. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular 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 Bangor or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
Moab

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

Moab is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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

Bangor
Moab

Bangor is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Bangor or Moab a more walkable city?

Bangor
Moab

Bangor is a popular place for its walkability. However, Moab is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.


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

Should I spend more time in Moab or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Moab?

In either Bangor or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Bangor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bangor or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Bangor or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Bangor. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Moab. 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.

A weekend in Bangor or Moab?

Bangor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Moab is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Bangor or Moab?

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid back destination of Bangor. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Moab. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Bangor or Moab?

The friendly town of Bangor offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Moab. This 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.


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, Moab 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 Moab is $388. 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 Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Moab? 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 Moab


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 Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Moab $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab 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
    Moab $37

Typical Food Prices in Moab

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Moab:


  • Moab Brewery
    $42
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moab

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

  • Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Moab $3.13
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 Bangor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bangor are as follows:

  • Bangor Blitz Amazing Race & Tour: $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Moab

For Moab, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Slickrock Trail Pass
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Moab

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

  • Delicate Arch Trail Audio Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain Loop: Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Discover Canyonlands National Park: Full-Day Audio Driving Tour : $15
  • Canyonlands National Park Scenic Driving Tour: $15
  • Arches National Park: Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $15
  • Canyonlands National Park: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • La Sal Mountain Loop: Scenic Self-Driving App Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Arches National Park Driving Tour: $15
  • Arches National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour: $25
  • Explore Arches, Canyonlands & La Sal Audio Tour Guide: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Moab $66


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Moab?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Bangor and Moab, 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.