A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Bangor for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Bangor?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

West Palm Beach and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in West Palm Beach than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bangor is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is West Palm Beach different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

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

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Bangor Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Bangor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Bangor Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Bangor Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Bangor Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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

West Palm Beach
Bangor

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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


Is West Palm Beach or Bangor a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Bangor

West Palm Beach and Bangor are notable when it comes to walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Bangor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bangor or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. 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.

The friendly destination of Bangor offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The town of Bangor offers museums and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Bangor. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or West Palm Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $330, 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 West Palm Beach and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach


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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109

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 West Palm Beach or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $66
    Bangor $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

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

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in West Palm Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Avenue: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Ave: $49
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

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
    West Palm Beach $39
    Bangor $23


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


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Bangor?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and West Palm Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Bangor. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bangor because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Bangor. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Bangor. The winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of 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. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Bangor. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm.

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

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangor. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)