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

Should you visit San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a historic, cultural, and colorful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

San Antonio and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Antonio than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Antonio is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its small town charm. San Antonio is more touristy than Bangor and is known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. Also, San Antonio is famous for The Alamo. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is San Antonio different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Bangor?

San Antonio
Bangor

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio
Bangor

Dining out at restaurants in both San Antonio and Bangor can be an enjoyable experience.

San Antonio offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Bangor has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is San Antonio or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Bangor

San Antonio is a city 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 San Antonio. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

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 San Antonio or Bangor Better for Music?

San Antonio
Bangor

San Antonio is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Bangor is not a live music destination.


Is San Antonio or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Bangor

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

San Antonio offers a nice historic old town area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Bangor?

San Antonio
Bangor

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bangor and San Antonio.

San Antonio is a great destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is San Antonio or Bangor Better for Christmas?

San Antonio
Bangor

San Antonio is a city with good options for its Christmas activities. However, Bangor does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to San Antonio during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Bangor does not offer Christmas activities.


Is San Antonio or Bangor Better for Families?

San Antonio
Bangor

San Antonio 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.

San Antonio is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio or Bangor Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Bangor

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

San Antonio is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

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 San Antonio or Bangor Better for Students?

San Antonio
Bangor

San Antonio is a city with good options for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

San Antonio is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Bangor is not popular with students.


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

San Antonio
Bangor

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both San Antonio and Bangor.

Public transit is generally limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

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

Is San Antonio or Bangor a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Bangor?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Antonio 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 San Antonio.


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

One day in San Antonio or Bangor?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Bangor. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in San Antonio or Bangor?

San Antonio 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bangor. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in San Antonio or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Antonio. 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.

The friendly town of Bangor offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in San Antonio or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of San Antonio. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Bangor. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or San Antonio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $132, 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 San Antonio and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio 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 San Antonio


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Bangor $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private One-way San Antonio Airport Transfer To/From San Antonio: $67
  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93
  • Private Transfer: San Antonio Airport to San Antonio by Sedan, SUV or Minibus : $97
  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237

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 San Antonio or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40
    Bangor $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Antonio $36
    Bangor $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

Here are a few actual costs in San Antonio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $6.75
  • The Alamo In-App Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $10
  • Briscoe Western Art Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • The Alamo Exhibit Entry Ticket: $14
  • Witte Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • Tower of the Americas Entry Ticket: $20
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • San Antonio Museum of Art Entry Ticket: $22
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience Ticket: $24
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Historical Ghost Tour: $25

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
    San Antonio -
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155


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

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


Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Bangor?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Bangor. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the music scene 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, San Antonio is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 87°F (31°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Bangor. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

San Antonio is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

San Antonio usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bangor. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bangor. In the winter, San Antonio is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Antonio in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Bangor. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and San Antonio during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Antonio for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 74°F (23°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

San Antonio usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and San Antonio

San Antonio Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)