A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Sacramento for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Sacramento 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of Bar Harbor is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sacramento travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Bar Harbor and Sacramento are popular destinations, Bar Harbor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bar Harbor is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also well known for Acadia National Park. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Bar Harbor different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Sacramento is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.


Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Bar Harbor is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Both Bar Harbor and Sacramento are nice to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Sacramento is a family-friendly coastal town. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.


Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Both Bar Harbor and Sacramento offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Bar Harbor or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Sacramento

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bar Harbor or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bar Harbor than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sacramento than Bar Harbor 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 Sacramento.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Sacramento, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sacramento, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sacramento, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Bar Harbor, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sacramento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Bar Harbor?

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

  • Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bar Harbor $243
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $243, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $320. 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 Bar Harbor and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Sacramento? 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 Bar Harbor


Hotels in Sacramento


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $98
    Sacramento $92
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Sacramento $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $700
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33
  • Acadia Fat tire Ebike Tours: $190
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike: $427
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bar Harbor Premium Driving Tour With Thunder Hole & Acadia: $159
  • Bar Harbor Premium Tour with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia Park: $149
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings: $160

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18
  • Nevada City Haunted History Tour: $20
  • Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours: $24
  • Sacramento Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bar Harbor and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Bar Harbor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bar Harbor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bar Harbor 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Bar Harbor.

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


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Sacramento, 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 Bar Harbor or Sacramento?

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 Bar Harbor or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Bar Harbor during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Sacramento. The autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Sacramento. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. Bar Harbor is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bar Harbor is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)