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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mystic and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 Mystic or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Bangor is more popular for its small town charm. Mystic is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Mystic different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic
Bangor

Mystic 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 Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Bangor

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Bangor can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

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 Mystic or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Bangor

Mystic is a town 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 Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Bangor

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

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Bangor is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Bangor?

Mystic
Bangor

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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

Is Mystic or Bangor Better for Families?

Mystic
Bangor

Mystic 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.

Mystic is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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

Is Mystic or Bangor Better for Couples?

Mystic
Bangor

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

Mystic is a good town for couples to visit. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Mystic
Bangor

Bangor is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Bangor a more walkable city?

Mystic
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mystic or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mystic 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 Mystic, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

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

One day in Mystic or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Mystic. 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 Mystic or Bangor?

Mystic 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.

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 Mystic or Bangor?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Mystic. This town 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Mystic?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, 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 Mystic and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Mystic 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 Mystic


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: Mystic Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $68
  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Mystic 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
    Mystic $52
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

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
    Mystic $31
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Mystic and Bangor, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Bangor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Bangor?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Bangor. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches 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.

In July, Mystic is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Mystic usually gets less rain in July than Bangor. Mystic 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
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

Mystic is a little warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangor. Mystic 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
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Mystic during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Mystic in the winter. In the winter, Mystic is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Mystic usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Mystic 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
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Bangor. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Mystic is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Mystic usually receives more rain than Bangor. Mystic 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
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Mystic

Mystic 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)