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

Should you visit Houston 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 Houston 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.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Houston and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Houston or Bangor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Bangor are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bangor is known for its small town charm. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is Houston different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston
Bangor

Houston is a well-known place 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 a good number of museums and monuments packed into Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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 Houston or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston
Bangor

Foodies will find both Houston and Bangor both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Bangor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Houston or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Bangor

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

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston or Bangor Better for Music?

Houston
Bangor

Houston 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 Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Bangor is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Bangor?

Houston
Bangor

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bangor and Houston.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Bangor has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Houston or Bangor Better for Families?

Houston
Bangor

Houston 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.

Houston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Bangor Better for Couples?

Houston
Bangor

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

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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 Houston or Bangor Better for Students?

Houston
Bangor

Houston is a city with good options for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Houston is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Bangor is not popular with students.

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

Houston
Bangor

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Bangor.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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

Is Houston or Bangor a more walkable city?

Houston
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Houston?

How long in Houston or Bangor?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than Houston 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 Houston or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Houston 2-3 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Houston or Bangor?

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bangor, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Houston or Bangor?

Houston 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.

In Bangor, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Bangor?

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

Bangor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Houston or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Bangor. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Houston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, 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 Houston and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Houston and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Houston 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 Houston


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: Houston Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Houston $72
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $62
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120

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 Houston or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Houston 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
    Houston $35
    Bangor $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $86
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Houston $14
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.26
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
  • Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
  • Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $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
    Houston $13
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and Bangor, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Bangor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Houston or Bangor?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Bangor. Most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, 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.

In the summer, Houston is a little warmer than Bangor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Bangor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Bangor. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Houston 84°F (29°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Houston or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In October, Houston is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Bangor. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Houston 71°F (22°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Houston or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bangor. Houston is much warmer than Bangor in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Bangor. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Houston 52°F (11°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Houston or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Bangor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Houston usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Houston 70°F (21°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Houston

Houston Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)