A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Breckenridge for Food, Families, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Breckenridge 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a breathtaking, adventurous, and scenic ski resort. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Bar Harbor and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Bar Harbor and Breckenridge are popular destinations, Breckenridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Breckenridge is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, and christmas markets, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, beaches, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Breckenridge is famous for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also well known for The Family-Friendly Ski Resort.

How is Bar Harbor different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Breckenridge and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is terrific for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Breckenridge. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.


Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Breckenridge is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a ski resort with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

If luxury resorts are your style, both Bar Harbor and Breckenridge have nice options.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

With a selection of resorts, Breckenridge makes a nice vacation spot. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.


Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the beache. However, Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a ski resort with good options for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Breckenridge to see the historical old town. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Both Bar Harbor and Breckenridge are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Breckenridge offers some nice hiking trails. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.


Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Both Bar Harbor and Breckenridge are excellent shopping destinations.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Breckenridge is well-known for its shopping. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Christmas?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

Breckenridge is a world class destination during the Christmas season. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.

Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Christmas Markets?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas markets.

Breckenridge has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. During the holiday season the Arts District hosts a Christmas Market.

Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Breckenridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Both Bar Harbor and Breckenridge are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Breckenridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a ski resort with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Breckenridge is a good ski resort to visit for backpackers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.


Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Both Bar Harbor and Breckenridge offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

Is Bar Harbor or Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is terrific for its walkability. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Breckenridge on foot. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Breckenridge than Bar Harbor 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 Breckenridge.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Breckenridge 3-7

One day in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and skiing around the adventurous ski resort of Breckenridge, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Bar Harbor 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.

With skiing and nightlife around the small town destination of Breckenridge, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Breckenridge, a popular ski resort, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this ski resort. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Bar Harbor 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.

Breckenridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this ski resort makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this ski resort has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Breckenridge or Bar Harbor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, while the average daily cost in Breckenridge is $200. 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 Bar Harbor and Breckenridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Breckenridge $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Breckenridge $212
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Breckenridge

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Breckenridge? 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 Bar Harbor


Hotels in Breckenridge


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Breckenridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Breckenridge $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Breckenridge

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Breckenridge:

  • Eagle County Airport to Breckenridge/Keystone-Round-Trip Transfer: $185
  • Breckenridge to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $193
  • Breckenridge/Keystone/Copper to Denver Airport-Departure Transfer: $196
  • Breckenridge Ski Resort to Denver Airport APA Departure Transfer: $196
  • Denver Airport APA to Breckenridge Ski Resort-Arrival Transfer: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Prices for flights to both Breckenridge and Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $57
    Breckenridge $61
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Breckenridge $94
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • Ocean Path: Acadia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Breckenridge

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

  • Smartphone Driving Tour b/w Breckenridge & Denver: $7.99
  • Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt: Breckenridge Adventure: $12
  • Self-Guided Snow Shoe Tours: $17
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $32
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales : $33
  • Breckenridge Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $47
  • Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco: $67
  • Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling: $94
  • Continental Divide Tour: $145
  • 3 Hours 30 Minutes Colorado Astrophotography Experience: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Breckenridge $7.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Breckenridge

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

  • Ridden Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85


When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Breckenridge, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Breckenridge Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Breckenridge?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Breckenridge, 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.