A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Bangor for Couples, Food, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. 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 friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • 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


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Martha's Vineyard and Bangor are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bangor attracts visitors for its museums. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard is an experience not to be missed. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find reasonable options in both Martha's Vineyard and Bangor.

Martha's Vineyard doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Most people don't head to Bangor specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a world class resort vacation destination. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Martha's Vineyard attract visitors from all over. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Martha's Vineyard. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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


Is Martha's Vineyard or Bangor Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Both Martha's Vineyard and Bangor are nice family-friendly destinations.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Bangor Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Bangor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard and Bangor both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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


Is Martha's Vineyard or Bangor a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Bangor

Martha's Vineyard and Bangor are nice when it comes to walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Bangor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With food and shopping around the destination of Bangor, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

Martha's Vineyard 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 shopping and museums around the friendly town of Bangor, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.


Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

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

Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Bangor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island 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.

Bangor is a popular choice for travelers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Martha's Vineyard?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $241, 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 Martha's Vineyard and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    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: $68
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $60
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65

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
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Bangor $23


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



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Martha's Vineyard during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually gets less rain in July than Bangor. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangor. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Bangor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard 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. It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. In January, Martha's Vineyard is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 28°F (-2°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

Martha's Vineyard is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Bangor. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)