A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bangor vs. Yosemite National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Bangor or Yosemite National Park?

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 Yosemite National Park 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. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking, popular, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Bangor and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan


Is there more to do in Bangor or Yosemite National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park. Although Bangor and Yosemite National Park are popular destinations, Yosemite National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yosemite National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bangor attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. It is also well known for El Capitan. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Bangor is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Bangor or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Bangor is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Bangor or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Bangor is a moderate town for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bangor or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Bangor or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Around Yosemite National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Yosemite National Park?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Bangor is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Bangor to go shopping. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bangor or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Yosemite National Park has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

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 Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Bangor
Yosemite National Park

Bangor is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable town. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangor Worth Visiting? and Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Yosemite National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park.


  • How many days in Bangor or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Bangor or Yosemite National Park?

The town of Bangor offers museums and food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yosemite National Park. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The friendly destination of Bangor offers food and shopping. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Yosemite National Park?

Bangor is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Bangor. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Yosemite National Park. This national park 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, Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Yosemite National Park? 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 Yosemite National Park


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 Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Yosemite National Park $41

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park 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
    Yosemite National Park $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Yosemite National Park $19
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 Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst: $130
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Yosemite National Park $11


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

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