A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boston vs. Bangor for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boston or Bangor?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston and Bangor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boston

Boston is a historic, traditional, and classic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Is there more to do in Boston or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boston than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bangor is more popular for its small town charm. Boston is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Boston different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boston or Bangor?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Boston on the map. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Theater?

Boston is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Bangor is not a theatre destination.

Boston attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Bangor is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Boston or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boston is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Boston is an experience not to be missed. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Boston is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Boston offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Music?

Boston is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Bangor is not a live music destination.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Boston is a moderate city for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Boston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Boston or Bangor?

Both Boston and Bangor are notable shopping destinations.

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Christmas?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Bangor does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Bangor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Bangor does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Boston offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Bangor does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Families?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Boston is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Bangor is a family-friendly city. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Couples?

Boston is a city with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Boston is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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 Boston or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boston is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Boston is a good city to visit for backpackers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

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 Boston or Bangor Better for Students?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Boston is a very popular city for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Bangor is not popular with students.

Is Boston or Bangor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Is Boston or Bangor a more walkable city?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Bangor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Boston?

How long in Boston or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Boston or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Boston than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boston, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston 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 Boston.

One day in Boston or Bangor?

Boston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bangor. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Boston or Bangor?

Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Bangor is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Boston or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Boston or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic big city of Boston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Bangor. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boston Expensive? and Is Bangor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boston or Bangor?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Boston and Bangor, 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 Boston or Bangor?

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 Boston or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Boston is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Boston usually receives less rain than Bangor. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boston or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Boston during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

Boston is a little warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Boston usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bangor. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Bangor. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bangor. It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. In the winter, Boston is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January average around 29°F (-2°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Boston usually receives more rain than Bangor. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boston or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boston as well as Bangor. Many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Boston is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Boston usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bangor. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Boston