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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Bangor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Bangor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Philadelphia and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Bangor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Bangor are both popular with visitors, Philadelphia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is known for its small town charm. Philadelphia is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is Philadelphia different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

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 Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Theater?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Bangor is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Bangor is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia
Bangor

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

Philadelphia offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

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 Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Music?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Philadelphia is very popular with diverse venues. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Bangor is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Bangor?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

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


Is Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Bangor does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Bangor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Bangor does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Bangor does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Families?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

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 Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Couples?

Philadelphia
Bangor

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

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

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 Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia
Bangor

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

Philadelphia is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

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 Philadelphia or Bangor Better for Students?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a well-known place for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Bangor is not popular with students.


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

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Philadelphia can get you to most places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

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

Is Philadelphia or Bangor a more walkable city?

Philadelphia
Bangor

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Philadelphia on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Bangor?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.


  • How many days in Philadelphia or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Philadelphia 2-3 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Philadelphia or Bangor?

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bangor, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.


A weekend in Philadelphia or Bangor?

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Bangor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Philadelphia or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Bangor. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Philadelphia or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the cultural big city of Philadelphia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bangor is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do 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 Philadelphia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $188, 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 Philadelphia and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Philadelphia $119
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Philadelphia $238
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Philadelphia and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia


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: Philadelphia Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Philadelphia $28
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sedan Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Train Station: $63
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Sedan: $108
  • Philadelphia to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer : $165
  • Philadelphia to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport(JFK) - Departure Private Transfer : $175
  • Philadelphia City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $191
  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $358

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Philadelphia or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Philadelphia 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
    Philadelphia $49
    Bangor $54
Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
  • Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
  • Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
  • Bites and Booze: Walking Food Tour in Philadelphia : $65
  • Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $66
  • 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $69
  • Best of Philadelphia Food Tour - Small Group Walking Tour: $69
  • Secret Food Tour: $84
  • Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $85
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
  • Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Philadelphia $28
    Bangor $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

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

  • Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
  • Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
  • Road to Revolution GPS Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • The Road to Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Philadelphia: $8.99
  • Philadelphia In App Walking Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Allentown: $10
  • Faith & Liberty Discovery Center Entry Ticket: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • National Liberty Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Fantastic Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Philadelphia - Freedom: At your leisure & pace. An audiovisual walking tour.: $15

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
    Philadelphia $21
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
  • Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
  • Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120


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


Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Bangor?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Bangor. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Bangor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Bangor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Philadelphia or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Bangor. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Philadelphia or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bangor can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. Philadelphia is much warmer than Bangor in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Bangor. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Philadelphia or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Bangor. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Philadelphia is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Bangor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In April, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Bangor. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Philadelphia

Philadelphia Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 52°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 56°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)