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

Should you visit Austin or Bangor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Austin travel costs.

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. See Bangor travel costs.

Austin and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its small town charm. Austin is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Austin different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin 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 Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Austin or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin or Bangor Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Bangor is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Bangor?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bangor and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

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

Is Austin or Bangor More Beautiful?

Austin is a moderate city for its scenery and beauty. However, Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Bangor Better for Families?

Austin and Bangor are both notable destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Bangor offers lots of family activities. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Is Austin or Bangor Better for Couples?

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

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

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 Austin or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Austin or Bangor Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Bangor is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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

Is Austin or Bangor a more walkable city?

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Austin?

How long in Austin or Bangor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Austin or Bangor?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bangor. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Austin or Bangor?

Austin 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 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.

Five days in Austin or Bangor?

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

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

A week in Austin or Bangor?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bangor. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Bangor?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Bangor. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Austin is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Bangor. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Bangor. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, 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.

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

Austin usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bangor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Austin is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Bangor. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Austin 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 April, Austin is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Austin usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bangor. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Austin