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

Should you visit Bangor or Salt Lake City?

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 Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and hiking.

Bangor and Salt Lake City: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bangor or Salt Lake City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Bangor and Salt Lake City are popular destinations, Salt Lake City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salt Lake City is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also well known for Temple Square. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bangor and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Bangor or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Both Bangor and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Bangor or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Bangor or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Salt Lake City?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Both Bangor and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Bangor or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Both Bangor and Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is a family-friendly town. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.


Is Bangor or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

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

Salt Lake City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

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 Salt Lake City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake 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.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Bangor
Salt Lake City

Bangor is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Salt Lake City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City.


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

One day in Bangor or Salt Lake City?

In Bangor, you'll find food and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

A weekend in Bangor or Salt Lake City?

Bangor is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. It 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Bangor. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 notable destination of Salt Lake City. 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, Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City is $246. 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 Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Salt Lake City? 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 Salt Lake City


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 Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Salt Lake City $45

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36
  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : $107
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Arrival Transfer: $115
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Transfer to Salt Lake City: $201
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Round-Trip Transfer: $230
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $261
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Salt Lake City $28
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 Salt Lake City

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

  • Mormon History - Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mormon History Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio app Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Salt Lake City by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Salt Lake City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Salt Lake City & La Sal: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tour: $20
  • Salt Lake City Ghost Tour: Outer Reaches Tour: $23
  • Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Tour: $23
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $37
  • History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour: $50
  • Salt Lake City Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Salt Lake City $17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangor and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Salt Lake City?

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