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

Should you visit Marathon or Bangor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Marathon and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marathon than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marathon is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Marathon is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Also, Marathon is famous for The Dolphin Research Center. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Marathon different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Bangor offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Marathon or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a island 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 Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

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 Marathon or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

In Marathon, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Bangor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Bangor Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Marathon attract visitors from all over. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Bangor?

Bangor is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Bangor Better for Families?

Marathon 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.

Marathon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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

Is Marathon or Bangor Better for Couples?

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

Marathon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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

Bangor is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Bangor a more walkable city?

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

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

One day in Marathon or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marathon. 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 Marathon or Bangor?

Marathon 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 Marathon or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. 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 Marathon or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Marathon. This island 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Bangor, we can see that Bangor is more expensive. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marathon 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 Marathon.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Bangor?

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

Both Bangor and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Marathon usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bangor. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Bangor. Many travelers come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bangor in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Marathon is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Bangor. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Bangor. Many visitors come to Marathon in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, 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 the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Bangor. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm.

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Bangor. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Marathon