A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Bangor for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Cape Cod and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Bangor are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bangor attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Cape Cod different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Bangor?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is an experience not to be missed. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Bangor is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Bangor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod is a beach destination with good options for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Cod or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cape Cod attract visitors from all over. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod is a beach destination with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Bangor?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.


Is Cape Cod or Bangor Better for Families?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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

Is Cape Cod or Bangor Better for Couples?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod and Bangor both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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


Is Cape Cod or Bangor a more walkable city?

Cape Cod
Bangor

Cape Cod and Bangor are nice when it comes to walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Cod or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cape Cod than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than Cape Cod 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 Bangor.


  • How many days in Cape Cod or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Cod 5-7 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Cape Cod or Bangor?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Bangor offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cape Cod or Bangor?

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Cape Cod or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bangor is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Bangor?

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Bangor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Cape Cod?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $183, while the average daily cost in Bangor is $197. 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 Cape Cod and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Cod $92
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Cod $184
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Cape Cod and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod or Bangor? 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 Cape Cod


Hotels in Bangor


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: Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Cod $50
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $68
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Cod or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $60
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Cod $27
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

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


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Cod $19
    Bangor $23


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Cod and Bangor, we can see that Bangor 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 Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Bangor Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cape Cod or Bangor?

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 Cape Cod or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Cape Cod during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Cape Cod usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

In the autumn, Cape Cod is a little warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Bangor. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Bangor. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Additionally, 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 Cape Cod in the winter. In January, Cape Cod is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

Cape Cod is a little warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In April, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Bangor. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Cape Cod

Cape Cod Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)