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

Should you visit Bangor or Portland?

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 Portland 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bangor travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and hiking. See Portland travel costs.

Bangor and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangor or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland is better known for its nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Portland is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangor is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Bangor is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Bangor or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland 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 Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Bangor or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Bangor is not a live music destination.

Is Bangor or Portland Better for Hiking?

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

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Portland?

Both Bangor and Portland 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 Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Bangor or Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bangor or Portland Better for Families?

Both Bangor and Portland are notable to visit with kids.

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

Portland is a family-friendly town. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Bangor or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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 Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a city with good options for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Portland is a good city to visit for students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Bangor is not popular with students.

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

Portland 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.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Bangor or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Portland?

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

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

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

One day in Bangor or Portland?

The town of Bangor offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Bangor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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 Portland?

Bangor is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Bangor or Portland?

Bangor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Portland. This city 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangor and Portland, 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangor or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Bangor and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Bangor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the summer, Bangor is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangor or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Portland. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bangor is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, Bangor usually receives more rain than Portland. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bangor or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bangor. Bangor is much colder than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Portland. Bangor usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangor or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bangor is much colder than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Bangor usually receives more rain than Portland. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Bangor