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

Should you visit Bangor or Reno?

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 Reno 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Reno

Reno is a energetic, growing, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bangor and Reno: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bangor or Reno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Reno. Although Bangor and Reno are popular destinations, Reno has more sights and attractions for tourists. Reno is very popular for its nightlife, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Reno is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its casinos and nightlife scene. It is also well known for the National Automobile Museum. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangor
Reno

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bangor or Reno.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.


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

Bangor
Reno

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bangor and Reno 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 Reno. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Bangor or Reno Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Reno

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

Reno offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

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 the Shopping Better in Bangor or Reno?

Bangor
Reno

Both Bangor and Reno are nice 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 Reno. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.


Is Bangor or Reno Better for Families?

Bangor
Reno

Both Bangor and Reno are nice 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.

Reno is a family-friendly town. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Bangor or Reno Better for Couples?

Bangor
Reno

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

Reno is a good city for couples to visit. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

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 Reno Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bangor
Reno

Both Bangor and Reno 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 Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.


Is Bangor or Reno a more walkable city?

Bangor
Reno

Bangor is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Reno or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Reno?

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

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


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

One day in Bangor or Reno?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reno. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bangor or Reno?

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.

Reno 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 Reno?

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 Reno. 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 Reno?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the growing destination of Reno. This city 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, Reno 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 Reno is $144. 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 Reno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Reno $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Reno

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Reno? 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 Reno


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 Reno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Reno $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno

Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $66
  • Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $163
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $185
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Reno?

Prices for flights to both Reno 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
    Reno $54

Typical Food Prices in Reno

For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Reno $88
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 Reno

For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Reno by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure: $12
  • Lake Tahoe Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $22
  • Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality Experience Ticket: $25
  • Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Reno Ghosts Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Reno $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

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

  • 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25
  • Brewery Tour: $130


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Reno?

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