A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Bangor for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz or Bangor?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Bangor can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

La Paz and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in La Paz or Bangor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Bangor are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Bangor is known for its small town charm. La Paz is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is La Paz different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Bangor?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz 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 La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz 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 La Paz is an experience not to be missed. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz is a city 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 La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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 La Paz or Bangor Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is La Paz or Bangor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

La Paz is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Bangor Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Bangor?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz 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 La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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


Is La Paz or Bangor Better for Families?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz 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.

La Paz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Bangor Better for Couples?

La Paz
Bangor

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

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

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 La Paz or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Paz is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Bangor a more walkable city?

La Paz
Bangor

La Paz 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.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Paz or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Paz than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in La Paz or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of La Paz. 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.

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 La Paz or Bangor?

La Paz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. 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 La Paz or Bangor?

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

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 La Paz or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of La Paz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 laid back 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 Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or La Paz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, 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 La Paz and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $22
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $241
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259

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 La Paz or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and La Paz 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
    La Paz $38
    Bangor $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $82

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

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
  • Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $82
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
  • Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
  • From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
  • Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $115
  • holy spirit island tour: $118
  • Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
  • Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $121

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
    La Paz $12
    Bangor $23


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

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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Bangor?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In the summer, La Paz is a little warmer than Bangor. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Bangor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Bangor. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and La Paz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Bangor. Many travelers come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bangor in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bangor can get quite cold in the winter. La Paz is much warmer than Bangor in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Bangor. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Bangor. Many visitors come to La Paz in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, La Paz is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Bangor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and La Paz

La Paz Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)