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

Should you visit Bangor or Zion 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 Zion 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 laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Zion National Park

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

Bangor and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
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 Angels Landing
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zion National Park than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zion National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Zion National Park is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Also, Zion National Park is famous for Angels Landing. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangor
Zion National Park

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.


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

Bangor
Zion National Park

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bangor offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Bangor or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Zion National Park

Bangor is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bangor is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Bangor or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Bangor
Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a moderate park for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Zion National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Bangor or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Zion National Park

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

Around Zion National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Zion National Park?

Bangor
Zion National Park

Bangor is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Bangor is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Bangor or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Bangor
Zion National Park

Zion 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.

Zion National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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 Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Bangor
Zion National Park

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

Zion National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
Zion National Park

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

Zion National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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

Bangor
Zion National Park

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

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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 Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Bangor
Zion National Park

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Zion National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Bangor or Zion National Park?

Both Bangor and Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park.

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

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

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


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

One day in Bangor or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bangor. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Bangor is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the laid back town of Bangor. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer.

Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Bangor. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Bangor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Zion National Park. This 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, Zion 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 Zion National Park is $119. 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 Zion National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Zion National Park $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Zion National Park $120
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Zion National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Zion National Park $30

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 Zion National Park?

Prices for flights to both Zion 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
    Zion National Park $37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Zion National Park $26
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 Zion National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Zion National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • East Zion Dark Sky Stargazing Tour: $19
  • East Zion East Rim Jeep Tour: $49
  • Campfire S'mores and Stars Tour in Kanab: $65
  • Zion Sunset Jeep Tour: $69
  • Virgin: Zion National Park Off-Road Vehicle Tour & Hike: $89
  • Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour: $98
  • Peekaboo Slot Canyon UTV and Hiking Adventure: $99
  • 3 Hour Guided E Bike Tour in Zion National Park : $100
  • Peekaboo Slot Canyon Jeep Tour: $104
  • East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure: $109
  • UTV Dune Cruise and Surf at Coral Pink Sand Dunes: $114
  • Via Ferrata / Rappel Adventure in East Zion: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Zion National Park $8.28


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