Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Dayton?
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 Dayton or Bar Harbor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Bar Harbor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Bar Harbor?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Dayton Prices
USA PricesBar Harbor Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $368Bar Harbor $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $368, 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 Dayton and Bar Harbor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Bar Harbor $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Bar Harbor
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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.
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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Bar Harbor $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Bar Harbor?
Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Dayton 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 dayDayton $105Bar Harbor $98
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
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.Dayton -Bar Harbor $39
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Paddle Pub Experience: $45
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Bar Harbor $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Bar Harbor, we can see that Dayton 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton 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 Dayton Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Bar Harbor?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Bar Harbor in the Summer?
Both Bar Harbor and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dayton is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).
In July, Dayton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?
Both Bar Harbor and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Dayton is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Bar Harbor in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Bar Harbor. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Dayton can get quite cold in the winter. Dayton is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).
In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Bar Harbor in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Bar Harbor. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Dayton is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).
Dayton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bar Harbor. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Dayton
| Dayton | Bar Harbor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 18°F (-8°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 20°F (-6°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 37°F (3°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 24°F (-5°C) | 4 inches (100 mm) |
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.