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

Should you visit Durham or Bangor?

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 Durham and Bangor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Bangor travel costs.

Durham and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Durham. Although Durham and Bangor are popular destinations, Durham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Durham is very popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team. It is also well known for the Duke University Chapel. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Durham different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham 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 Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and Bangor can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

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 Durham or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Durham is a 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 Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 the Shopping Better in Durham or Bangor?

Both Durham and Bangor are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Durham or Bangor Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Durham or Bangor.

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

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

Is Durham or Bangor Better for Couples?

Durham is a city with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Durham is a good city for couples to visit. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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 Durham or Bangor Better for Students?

Durham is a well-known place for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Bangor is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and Bangor offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Is Durham or Bangor a more walkable city?

Bangor is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Durham?

How long in Durham or Bangor?

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

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

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

One day in Durham or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bangor. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Durham or Bangor?

Durham 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.

Bangor 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 Durham or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. 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 Durham or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sports oriented destination of Durham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bangor. This 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Bangor?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is a little warmer than Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Bangor. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Durham is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Durham usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Bangor in the Winter?

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

The weather in Bangor can be very cold. Durham can be very cold during winter. In January, Durham is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangor. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Durham or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Bangor. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

Durham is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Durham usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Durham