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

Should you visit Charleston or Bangor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Bangor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Charleston

Charleston is a quaint, historic, and classic coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Charleston and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charleston or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Bangor are popular destinations, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Charleston is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Charleston different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charleston
Bangor

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Bangor.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Charleston have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

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 Charleston or Bangor Better for Music?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Bangor is not a live music destination.


Is Charleston or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Charleston
Bangor

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

The beaches at Charleston attract visitors from all over. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

Charleston
Bangor

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

Charleston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Bangor?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Charleston is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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

Is Charleston or Bangor Better for Christmas?

Charleston
Bangor

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

Charleston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Bangor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Bangor Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Bangor does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Bangor does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Charleston or Bangor Better for Families?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston and Bangor are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

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

Is Charleston or Bangor Better for Couples?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Charleston is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston or Bangor Better for Students?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Bangor is not popular with students.


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

Charleston
Bangor

Both Charleston and Bangor offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

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

Is Charleston or Bangor a more walkable city?

Charleston
Bangor

Charleston is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Bangor?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Charleston or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Charleston. 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.

With museums and food around the welcoming town of Bangor, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangor, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Charleston or Bangor?

Charleston 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Bangor, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Charleston or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. 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.

Bangor, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the classic destination of Charleston. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Charleston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $170, 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 Charleston and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Charleston 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 Charleston


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: Charleston Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Private Transfer from Charleston Cruise Port to Charleston city: $55
  • Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Port to Charleston Airport (CHS): $59
  • From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city – Arrival Private Transfer: $88
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $88
  • Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island to Charleston Airport –Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Charleston Airport to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island– Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Kiawah/Seabrook Islands – Arrival Private Transfer: $118
  • Charleston Airport: One-Way Transfer to Charleston: $153

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Charleston 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
    Charleston $58
    Bangor $54
Typical Food Prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.

  • Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $88
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $93
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Charleston Food Tour: $99
  • Historic Downtown Food Tour with Tastings: $99
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $108
  • Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef's Challenge: $109
  • Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $110
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $22
    Bangor $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston

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


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:

  • The French Quarter: GPS Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Ghost Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Cinematic, Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Charleston: $10
  • Self-Guided Highlights Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio History Walking Tour: $12
  • Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Trolley Tour in Wadmalaw Island of South Carolina: $17
  • Charleston's Miracle Mile: Church and Cemetery Walking Tour: $21
  • History & Storytelling Tour: $24
  • The Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour: $25

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
    Charleston $36
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:

  • Charleston Women and Wine Tour: $20
  • Women and Wine Tour: $20
  • Charleston Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour: $30
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $40
  • Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour): $95
  • Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip: $135
  • Half Day Party Bus Brewery Tour of Charleston: $140


When comparing the travel costs between Charleston 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 Charleston Expensive? and Is Bangor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charleston or Bangor?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Charleston is a little warmer than Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Bangor. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charleston 82°F (28°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Charleston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bangor in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Charleston is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Charleston usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charleston 67°F (19°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Bangor. Many visitors come to Charleston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bangor can be very cold during winter. In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Bangor. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charleston 47°F (9°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Bangor. Most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm.

Charleston is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Charleston usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charleston 64°F (18°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Charleston

Charleston Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)