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

Should you visit Duck or Bangor?

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

Should I visit Duck or Bangor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Duck

Duck is a compact, charming, and laid-back beach town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Duck and Bangor: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Duck or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its museums. Duck is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Duck different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Duck
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Duck
Bangor

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Duck and Bangor.

Duck offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Bangor has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Duck or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Bangor

Both Duck and Bangor are respectable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Duck specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

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 Duck or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Duck
Bangor

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

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Duck or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Duck
Bangor

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

Duck is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Duck
Bangor

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Bangor?

Duck
Bangor

Duck 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 Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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


Is Duck or Bangor Better for Families?

Duck
Bangor

Duck 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.

Duck is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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

Is Duck or Bangor Better for Couples?

Duck
Bangor

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

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Duck
Bangor

Both Duck and Bangor offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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


Is Duck or Bangor a more walkable city?

Duck
Bangor

Duck is an amazing beach town 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 Duck on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Duck?

How long in Duck or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Duck or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Duck 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 Duck, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than Duck 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 Duck or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Duck or Bangor?

Duck 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Bangor. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Duck or Bangor?

Duck is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Duck or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the welcoming destination of Bangor. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Bangor?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. This beach town 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.

The friendly town of Bangor offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Duck?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $188, 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 Duck and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Duck and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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.
    Duck $66
    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: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Duck 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
    Duck $45
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Bangor $45

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
    Duck $45
    Bangor $23


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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Bangor?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Duck in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Duck is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Duck. In July, Duck usually receives more rain than Bangor. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Duck or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Duck during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bangor because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Duck is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Duck usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bangor. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Duck or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Bangor. The winter months attract visitors to Duck because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bangor in the winter. The weather in Duck can be very cold. In the winter, Duck is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Duck usually receives more rain than Bangor. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Duck or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Duck as well as Bangor. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm.

In April, Duck is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Duck usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Duck

Duck Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)