A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Bar Harbor?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Bar Harbor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Miami and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Miami or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is known for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Miami is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Miami different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Miami or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.


Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is terrific for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Miami is a must-see party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Music?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is terrific for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is terrific for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.


Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is terrific for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Bar Harbor?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.


Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly beach city. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Both Miami and Bar Harbor are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Bar Harbor is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is a beach city with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for backpackers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.


Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is a beach city with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Is Miami or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami is a beach city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Miami has a few public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Miami or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Miami
Bar Harbor

Miami and Bar Harbor both are superb when exploring on foot.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable beach city. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Miami?

How long in Miami or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bar Harbor than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Bar Harbor 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 Miami.


  • How many days in Miami or Bar Harbor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Bar Harbor 2-3

One day in Miami or Bar Harbor?

When visiting Miami, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Bar Harbor?

When visiting Miami, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Bar Harbor?

Miami, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Miami or Bar Harbor?

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $202. 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 Miami and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Miami and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Bar Harbor? 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 Miami


Hotels in Bar Harbor


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Bar Harbor $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • 50 min Everglades Airboat, Photo & Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $44
  • Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
  • Private One Way Transfer: Miami Airport (MIA) to/from Miami: $55
  • Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer: $59
  • Key West Transfer with Hotel Pickup and Upgrades: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Bar Harbor $57
Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

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

  • Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
  • Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $64
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Bar Harbor $39

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $5.97
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.27
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.27
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.72
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Big Cypress National Preserve Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • Ocean Path: Acadia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Bar Harbor $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Bar Harbor, we can see that Miami 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 Miami Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Miami or Bar Harbor?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Bar Harbor, 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 Miami or Bar Harbor?

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 Miami or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Miami is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Miami or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Miami or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Miami or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Miami is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Miami

Miami Bar Harbor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)