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

Should you visit Dallas or Bar Harbor?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Bar Harbor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Dallas travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. 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. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Dallas and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
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


Is there more to do in Dallas or Bar Harbor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although Dallas and Bar Harbor are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Dallas 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 Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Dallas
Bar Harbor

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Dallas and Bar Harbor.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Dallas or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Dallas is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is very good for its resorts. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


Is Dallas or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is very good for the beach. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bar Harbor to enjoy the beach. 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is Dallas or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Bar Harbor?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Both Dallas and Bar Harbor are superb shopping destinations.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.


Is Dallas or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dallas or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Dallas is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Dallas or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Both Dallas and Bar Harbor are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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.


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

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Dallas is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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

Is Dallas or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Dallas
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dallas or Bar Harbor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Bar Harbor 2-3

One day in Dallas or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the chic city of Dallas, there's plenty to do. 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.

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


A weekend in Dallas or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dallas, 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.

Bar Harbor 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 Dallas or Bar Harbor?

Dallas, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. 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 Dallas or Bar Harbor?

Dallas 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.

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Dallas?

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

  • Dallas Prices
    USA Prices
    Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dallas $166
    Bar Harbor $243

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $166, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Dallas and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Dallas or Bar Harbor? 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 Dallas


Hotels in Bar Harbor


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Bar Harbor $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $47
  • Private Arrival Transfer from DFW Airport to Dallas: $47
  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Dallas to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • One Way DFW Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Dallas 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
    Dallas $61
    Bar Harbor $98
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • Downtown Dallas Walking Food Tour History and Cocktail Package : $25
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $95
  • Dallas Food Tour: 5 Epic Tastings in Deep Ellum: $99
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • Downtown Dallas Holiday Lights Food Tour: $100
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $104
  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available: $109

Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

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


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Bar Harbor $39

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • Sweet Tooth Hotel Dreamland: Immersive Art Experience: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Reunion Tower GeO-Deck General Admission Ticket: $21
  • Dallas Stars NHL Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $22
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine Admission Ticket: $22
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sinister Strolls True Crime Walking Tour: $25
  • JFK Assassination Highlights Walking Tour: $27

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:

  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $20
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Dallas Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $40
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Bar Harbor?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and Bar Harbor, 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 Dallas or Bar Harbor?

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 Dallas or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dallas is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 88°F (31°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Dallas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dallas is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In the winter, Dallas is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dallas in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Dallas usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Bar Harbor. The spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In April, Dallas is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 68°F (20°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in April than Bar Harbor. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Dallas

Dallas Bar Harbor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)