A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangor vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bangor or Vancouver?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangor and Vancouver can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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. See Bangor travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Vancouver travel costs.

Bangor and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Bangor or Vancouver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its small town charm. Vancouver is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver 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 Vancouver on the map. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Bangor or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver 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 Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Bangor or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Vancouver

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

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Bangor or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Vancouver?

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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

Is Bangor or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bangor or Vancouver Better for Families?

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Bangor or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Vancouver is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Bangor or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
Vancouver

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

Vancouver is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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 Bangor or Vancouver Better for Students?

Bangor
Vancouver

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

Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Bangor is not popular with students.


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

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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

Is Bangor or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Bangor
Vancouver

Vancouver 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 Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Vancouver?

In either Bangor or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Bangor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bangor or Vancouver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Vancouver 3-5

One day in Bangor or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Bangor. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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


A weekend in Bangor or Vancouver?

You'll find museums and food around the welcoming destination of Bangor. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bangor or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the welcoming town of Bangor. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bangor or Vancouver?

Bangor is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Bangor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
    Vancouver Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bangor $237
    Vancouver $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $237, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $165. 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 Bangor and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Vancouver? 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 Bangor


Hotels in Vancouver


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: Bangor Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Vancouver $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $210

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

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

  • Bus Transfer from/to Squamish: $26
  • Bus Transfer from/to Whistler: $26
  • Vancouver Airport Transfer to Vancouver/Whistler (Special Offer): $27
  • Private Departure Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
  • Group Transfer to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR): $33
  • Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $40
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR): $40
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from YVR Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Vancouver hotels: $47
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Hotels to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $47
  • Vancouver hotel/address to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Bangor 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
    Bangor $93
    Vancouver $54

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

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

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $96
  • Food Tours Gastown & Downtown with 6+ tastings: $98
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $100
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
  • Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
  • Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $132
  • Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Vancouver $36
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

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • Stanley Park Self Guided Bike Tour: $3.58
  • Gratuity-Based Vancouver City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $4.00
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.66
  • Stanley Park Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.32
  • Discover Stanley Park: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.65
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.17
  • Spy Escape in Outdoor Puzzle Adventure: $7.20
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tours of Stanley Park: $7.39
  • Ticket to Immersive Museum in Chinatown: $8.87
  • Vancouver Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Underground Comedy Club Entry Ticket: $11
  • Vancouver to Kamloops Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $65
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $86
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
  • North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $129
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $135
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $169


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Bangor and Vancouver, 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 Bangor or Vancouver?

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 Bangor or Vancouver in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Bangor is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Bangor usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Vancouver in the Autumn?

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

In October, Bangor is generally cooler than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 48°F (9°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Bangor usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Vancouver in the Winter?

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

Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Bangor can get quite cold in the winter. Bangor is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bangor usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Vancouver in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bangor is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bangor usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Bangor

Bangor Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)