A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Bangor for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nags Head or Bangor?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Bangor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

Other popular activities here include food.

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.

Nags Head and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bangor than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bangor is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its history as a lumber town. Also, Bangor is famous for the Paul Bunyan Statue. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Bangor?

Nags Head
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Bangor

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

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 Nags Head or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Bangor

Bangor is adequate for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Bangor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Bangor?

Nags Head
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Bangor Better for Families?

Nags Head
Bangor

Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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

Is Nags Head or Bangor Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Bangor

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

Nags Head is a good for couples to visit. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun 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 Nags Head or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Bangor

Nags Head is a with good options for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nags Head is a good to visit for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Nags Head
Bangor

Bangor is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

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

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Bangor a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nags Head or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nags Head than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Nags Head or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Bangor. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Nags Head or Bangor?

Nags Head 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.

You'll find museums and food around the laid back destination of Bangor. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly town of Bangor. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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 Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    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: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

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
    Nags Head $12
    Bangor $23


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Bangor?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Nags Head during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Bangor. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bangor because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Nags Head is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangor. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Bangor. The winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bangor in the winter. The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. In the winter, Nags Head is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm.

In April, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Bangor. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Nags Head

Nags Head Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)