A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Newport for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Newport?

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 Newport 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.

Where Should I go: Bar Harbor or Newport?

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.

Newport

Established in colonial times as one of the most important ports of Rhode Island, Newport has since transformed into a historic seaside city and resort town for many summer visitors. It has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation in the downtown Newport Historic District, and is perhaps most known for the famous Newport Mansions. The area is also home to Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and a major United States Navy training center. With its rich history, culture, and prime location overlooking the ocean, Newport has been host to many seaside events like the America's Cup sailing regatta as well as the Newport Folk Festival.

Which place is cheaper, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Newport

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Newport $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

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

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45
Typical Food prices in Bar Harbor

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


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Newport $17
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:

  • 3 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit & Park Loop Road: $600
  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit & Somes Sound: $700
  • 6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Cadillac Summit, Somes Sound & Lobster Pound: $850
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $22
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $85
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Bar Harbor Hoppy Hour A Beer and Food Adventure: $130
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings: $140

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Historic Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Newport Downtown Historic Audio APP Self Guided Smart Phone Tour: $6.75
  • Newport, RI: Cliff Walk Self Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $6.99
  • Newport's Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Newport $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bar Harbor and Newport, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Newport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newport 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor than you might in Newport.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Newport?

Newport is bigger, and its population is about 4.2 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the population of Bar Harbor vs. Newport, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Newport?

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 Bar Harbor or Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Bar Harbor during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Newport. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Newport. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bar Harbor is cooler than Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Newport 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Newport. The winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Newport. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Bar Harbor vs. Newport Travel Comparison

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