A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. The Hamptons for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons 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 charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bar Harbor and The Hamptons: 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
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hamptons. Although Bar Harbor and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, The Hamptons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. The Hamptons is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Bar Harbor is known for its food, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. It is also home to The Montauk Lighthouse.

How is Bar Harbor different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

The Hamptons has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.


Is Bar Harbor or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a beach destination 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 The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

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 The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In The Hamptons, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Bar Harbor or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

Both Bar Harbor and The Hamptons are considered to be good beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. 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.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.


Is Bar Harbor or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

Both Bar Harbor and The Hamptons are destinations which offer good 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.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

The Hamptons is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Bar Harbor or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

Both Bar Harbor and The Hamptons are good to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

The Hamptons is a family-friendly coastal town. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.


Is Bar Harbor or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

Both Bar Harbor and The Hamptons are great 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.

The Hamptons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with a few options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Bar Harbor or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
The Hamptons

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.


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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

Both Bar Harbor and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons.

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

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


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

One day in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

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 nightlife around the lavish beach destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

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.

The Hamptons, a popular beach destination, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

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.

The Hamptons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination 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, The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons is $223. 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 The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or The Hamptons? 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 The Hamptons


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons 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
    The Hamptons $60
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
    The Hamptons $22
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's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $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
  • Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Maine Tours: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    The Hamptons $31


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


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and The Hamptons, 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 Bar Harbor or The Hamptons?

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 Bar Harbor or The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and The Hamptons. The summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

Bar Harbor is cooler than The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as The Hamptons. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is much colder than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than The Hamptons. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The Hamptons can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Bar Harbor during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Bar Harbor is much colder than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)