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

Should you visit Bangor or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind, scenic, and beautiful coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Is there more to do in Bangor or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco. Although Bangor and San Francisco are popular destinations, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. San Francisco is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit 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 many recognizable landmarks that put San Francisco on the map. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 Bangor or San Francisco Better for Theater?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Bangor is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Bangor is not a theatre destination.

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

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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.

Is Bangor or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is a coastal 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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

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 San Francisco Better for Music?

Bangor
San Francisco

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

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Bangor is not a live music destination.

Is Bangor or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Bangor or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or San Francisco?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

San Francisco is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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

Is Bangor or San Francisco Better for Families?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Bangor
San Francisco

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

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
San Francisco

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

San Francisco is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is a well-known place for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Bangor is not popular with students.

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

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in San Francisco is top-notch. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

Bangor
San Francisco

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or San Francisco?

Both Bangor and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Bangor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.


  • How many days in Bangor or San Francisco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    San Francisco 3-7

One day in Bangor or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the laid back destination of Bangor. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Bangor or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Bangor. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?

You'll find museums and food around the town of Bangor. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


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, San Francisco 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 San Francisco is $222. 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 San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Bangor and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco


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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    San Francisco $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco

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


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco Airport to City: $35
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Oakland - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport SFO: $44
  • San Francisco to Oakland Airport (OAK) Private Departure Transfer: $63
  • San Francisco Airport to San Francisco Private Arrival Transfer: $79
  • San Francisco to San Francisco Airport Private Departure Transfer: $79
  • Round trip transfer in private vehicle from-to Airport in San Francisco: $80
  • SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown San Francisco: $96
  • Private Airport Transfer: San Francisco to SF International Airport (SFO): $107
  • Private Transfer from San Francisco to Airport SFO in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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
    San Francisco $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

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

  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
  • Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $83
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
  • San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
  • Mission District Food Tour: $89
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $90
  • Secret Food Tour of North Beach and Chinatown: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    San Francisco $46
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 San Francisco

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

  • Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Golden Gate Bridge Bike or Walking App Tour: $5.00
  • San Francisco’s Chinatown on foot: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Embarcadero Self-Guided Audio Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • Leave your heart at the Wharf: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • San Francisco self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $6.42
  • Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
  • The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Japantown & Stories: $6.99
  • The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • San Francisco's Castro Neighborhood: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Secrets of Golden Gate Park Audio Tour: $7.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

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

  • Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
  • San Francisco Bar Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
  • SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Sunset Distillery with Local Whiskey or Cocktail Tasting: $40
  • 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
  • The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
  • Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
  • Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126


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


Which is Bigger, Bangor or San Francisco?

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

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangor as well as San Francisco. 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 San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bangor is a little warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Bangor or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco 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 hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the autumn, Bangor is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Bangor usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Bangor or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco 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 San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bangor in the winter. In January, Bangor is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 18°F (-8°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Bangor usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Bangor or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Bangor is much colder than San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Bangor usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Bangor

Bangor San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)