A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bangor vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Bangor or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica 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 welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bangor and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Santa Monica Pier


Is there more to do in Bangor or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Bangor and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Bangor is known for its small town charm. Santa Monica is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangor
Santa Monica

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

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.

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.


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

Bangor
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Santa Monica is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Santa Monica

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

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Bangor
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Bangor is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Santa Monica?

Bangor
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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

Is Bangor or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Bangor
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an amazing town 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.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Bangor
Santa Monica

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santa Monica is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Bangor
Santa Monica

Bangor is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Bangor or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Bangor
Santa Monica

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.


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

One day in Bangor or Santa Monica?

In Bangor, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bangor or Santa Monica?

Bangor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Bangor. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Bangor is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Santa Monica. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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, Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica is $210. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Santa Monica $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica


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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Santa Monica $50

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Sta. Monica Private Transfer To or From Los Angeles Airport/Cruise Port.: $71
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $77
  • Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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
    Santa Monica $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.

  • Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour By Junket: $115
  • Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $125
  • Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $187

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Santa Monica $38
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

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

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

  • Santa Monica Pier's Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Santa Monica Shuffle Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $30
  • Explore Malibu's Coast: PCH & Beyond - Self Guided Audio Tour: $30
  • Santa Monica Ghosts Haunted Ghost Tour on the Pier: $30
  • Santa Monica Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $60
  • 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
  • Los Angeles: Latin Dance Club Crawl Experience: $65
  • Sights and Sips Cruise Tour in Marina del Rey: $69
  • 3-Hour Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Guided Tour : $72
  • LA: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or eBike Tour: $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Santa Monica $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195


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


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Bangor and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bangor or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangor is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 69°F (21°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In July, Bangor usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Bangor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bangor in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

Bangor is much colder than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bangor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bangor is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Bangor usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Santa Monica. The spring months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In April, Bangor is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 43°F (6°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Bangor

Bangor Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)