Which place is cheaper, Tucson 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.
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Should you visit Bar Harbor or Tucson?
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 Tucson 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.
Where Should I go: Bar Harbor or Tucson?
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
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Bar Harbor Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBar Harbor $243Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $243, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBar Harbor $117Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBar Harbor $234Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Tucson? 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.
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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bar Harbor $35Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayBar Harbor $98Tucson $63
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bar Harbor $39Tucson $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBar Harbor $30Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bar Harbor and Tucson, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor than you might in Tucson.
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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.