A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Bangor for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Bangor?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Ocean City and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Bangor are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Bangor attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Ocean City is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Ocean City different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Bangor?

Bangor is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Bangor both to be nice destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ocean City area. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Ocean City offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Bangor Better for Resorts?

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

In Ocean City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Bangor Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Bangor?

Bangor is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Bangor to go shopping. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Bangor Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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

Is Ocean City or Bangor Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Both Ocean City and Bangor offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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

Is Ocean City or Bangor a more walkable city?

Bangor is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. 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.

With museums and food around the welcoming town of Bangor, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangor, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Bangor?

Ocean City 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Bangor, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Ocean City or Bangor?

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

Bangor, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic destination of Ocean City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Bangor?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Bangor?

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 Ocean City or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Bangor. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bangor because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Ocean City is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bangor. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Bangor. The winter months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Ocean City can be very cold. In January, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Bangor. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Bangor. The beaches are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm.

Ocean City is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bangor. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Ocean City