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

Should you visit Nantucket or Bangor?

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 Nantucket and Bangor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Nantucket and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Nantucket different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket
Bangor

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nantucket or Bangor.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.


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

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Bangor

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

In Nantucket, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Bangor

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

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Bangor?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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

Is Nantucket or Bangor Better for Families?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket or Bangor Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local 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 Nantucket or Bangor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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

Is Nantucket or Bangor a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Bangor

Nantucket is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Bangor?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nantucket or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Nantucket or Bangor?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nantucket or Bangor?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the welcoming 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 Nantucket or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 food and shopping when visiting the laid back 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 Nantucket or Bangor?

Nantucket 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 travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Nantucket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, 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 Nantucket and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    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 Nantucket or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    Bangor $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Bangor $45

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
    Nantucket $35
    Bangor $23


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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Bangor?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Nantucket during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nantucket is generally around the same temperature as Bangor. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Nantucket usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Bangor. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

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

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Bangor. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Bangor. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bangor because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bangor can be very cold. Nantucket can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nantucket is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nantucket usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In April, Nantucket is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In April, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Bangor. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Nantucket

Nantucket Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)