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

Should you visit Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Williamsburg and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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 Williamsburg or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Bangor are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Williamsburg is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Williamsburg different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg
Bangor

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Bangor

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Bangor

It's hard to distinguish whether Williamsburg or Bangor has a better nightlife scene.

Williamsburg is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Bangor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Williamsburg or Bangor Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Bangor

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Bangor?

Williamsburg
Bangor

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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

Is Williamsburg or Bangor Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Bangor

Williamsburg is an amazing town 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.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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

Is Williamsburg or Bangor Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Bangor

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

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg or Bangor Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Bangor

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular town for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Bangor is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg
Bangor

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

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to 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 Williamsburg or Bangor a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Bangor

Bangor is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Bangor?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Williamsburg or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Williamsburg or Bangor?

Williamsburg 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.

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 Williamsburg or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 laid back 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 Williamsburg or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Williamsburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $112, 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 Williamsburg and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg


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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    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 Williamsburg or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $31
    Bangor $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

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

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

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

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Williamsburg West Tour: $15
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Williamsburg East Ghost Tour: $16
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour: $20

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
    Williamsburg -
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Bangor?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Bangor. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for 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.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Bangor. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Bangor. The autumn months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the shopping 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.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Williamsburg 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. It's quite cold in Williamsburg in the winter. In January, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Bangor in the Spring?

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

Williamsburg is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)