Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Berkshires?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Berkshires or Bar Harbor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Berkshires and Bar Harbor 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: Berkshires or Bar Harbor?
Berkshires
The Berkshires are a popular highland destination in the western part of Massachusetts and northwest Connecticut. The region has scenic landscape, hiking, lakes, recreational opportunities and other outdoor experiences. The Berkshires also has an impressive cultural scene with music, arts, museums, and live theaters.
The Berkshires can be a bit expensive to visit if you stay at a luxury resort and take advantage of the award winning restaurants in the area. Alternatively, the experience can be equally rewarding by camping, picnicking, and spending your time hiking and enjoying the beautiful natural setting.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBerkshires $244Bar Harbor $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Berkshires is $244, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $202. 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 Berkshires and Bar Harbor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBerkshires $141Bar Harbor $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBerkshires $282Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Berkshires and Bar Harbor
Looking for a hotel in Berkshires or Bar Harbor? 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.
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: Berkshires Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Berkshires $47Bar Harbor $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Berkshires or Bar Harbor?
Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Berkshires 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
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Food Meals for one dayBerkshires $73Bar Harbor $57
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Berkshires $25Bar Harbor $39
Tours and Activities in Berkshires
Here are a few actual costs in Berkshires for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Guided Private Forest Bathing Experience Lenox: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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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's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $15
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBerkshires $31Bar Harbor $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkshires and Bar Harbor, we can see that Berkshires is more expensive. And not only is Bar Harbor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bar Harbor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bar Harbor 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 Berkshires would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkshires than you might in Bar Harbor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Berkshires Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Berkshires or Bar Harbor?
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 Berkshires or Bar Harbor in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkshires and Bar Harbor. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.
In July, Berkshires is generally around the same temperature as Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Berkshires average around 72°F (22°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
In July, Berkshires usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Berkshires gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBerkshires 72°F (22°C)Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Berkshires as well as Bar Harbor. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Berkshires is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Berkshires averages around 51°F (11°C) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
Berkshires usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBerkshires 51°F (11°C)Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Bar Harbor in the Winter?
Both Bar Harbor and Berkshires are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Berkshires. In the winter, Berkshires is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berkshires in January average around 22°F (-6°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).
In January, Berkshires usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Berkshires gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBerkshires 22°F (-6°C)Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)
Should I visit Berkshires or Bar Harbor in the Spring?
Both Bar Harbor and Berkshires during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Berkshires is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Berkshires average around 47°F (9°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
Berkshires usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBerkshires 47°F (9°C)Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Berkshires
| Berkshires | Bar Harbor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 18°F (-8°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 20°F (-6°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 35°F (2°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Apr | 47°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jun | 67°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Jul | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Aug | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Sep | 62°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 51°F (11°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Nov | 41°F (5°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 37°F (3°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Dec | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 24°F (-5°C) | 4 inches (100 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.