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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Clearwater travel costs.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Bangor travel costs.

Clearwater and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bangor is more popular for its small town charm. Clearwater is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Clearwater different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater is an experience not to be missed. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

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 Clearwater or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

In Clearwater, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Bangor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Clearwater. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

Clearwater is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Bangor?

Both Clearwater and Bangor are notable shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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

Is Clearwater or Bangor Better for Families?

Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

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

Is Clearwater or Bangor Better for Couples?

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

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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

Both Clearwater and Bangor offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

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

Is Clearwater or Bangor a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Bangor both are notable when exploring on foot.

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Clearwater or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Clearwater than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

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

One day in Clearwater or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Clearwater. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Clearwater or Bangor?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Bangor, 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 town.

Five days in Clearwater or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bangor, a popular 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.

A week in Clearwater or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Clearwater. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bangor 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Bangor?

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

Both Bangor and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and 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.

In July, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Bangor. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

Clearwater is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Bangor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bangor. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Bangor. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Bangor. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Bangor in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Clearwater