A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant 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 Guadalajara travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Guadalajara and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Guadalajara and Bar Harbor can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

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

Guadalajara offers plenty to do in the evening. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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 Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.


Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

If you're looking to go shopping, Guadalajara and Bar Harbor both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Bar Harbor offers lots of family activities. 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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.


Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as 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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Guadalajara is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Guadalajara and Bar Harbor both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

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


Is Guadalajara or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
Bar Harbor

Guadalajara and Bar Harbor are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Bar Harbor. In our opinion, Bar Harbor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bar Harbor than Guadalajara. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara.


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

One day in Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

Guadalajara, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

Guadalajara 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.

Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Guadalajara?

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

  • Guadalajara Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guadalajara $138
    Bar Harbor $243

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $138, 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 Guadalajara and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $38
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $76
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara


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: Guadalajara Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

Also for Guadalajara, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer by car to or from Guadalajara Airport: $35
  • Transfer from International Airport to Tequila Jalisco: $89
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Private Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels Safe & Stress-Free: $159
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • Guadalajara Airport Private Transfer to Ajijic & Chapala: $289

Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Guadalajara 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
    Guadalajara $75
    Bar Harbor $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara

For Guadalajara, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Street Food Tour and City Tour Guadalajara - Best Rated : $44
  • Guadalajara Private Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking & Tequila tasting experience-Casa Humo: $108
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $195
  • VIP Tequila Night Tour with Dinner and Tasting: $199

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.
    Guadalajara $25
    Bar Harbor $39

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Guadalajara.

  • Bar Tour of the Coolest Quarter of Guadalajara: $17
  • Great Experience With A Tour Guide With Spark: $21
  • Guadalajara City Center Walking Tour: $25
  • Guadalajara Tour: $27
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Guide in Guadalajara, you choose!: $36
  • Walking Tour Historic Center Guadalajara: $39
  • Lucha Libre Tour at the Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara as a local: $39
  • Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara: $40
  • Tequila Route Experience from Guadalajara: $40
  • Classic Tequila Tour and CANTARITOS EL GÜERO: $41
  • Guadalajara Private Walking Tour: $42
  • History and Murals: Walking Tour Guadalajara: $44

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:

  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $16
    Bar Harbor $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:

  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara Mexico: $25
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $65
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $95
  • Guided Tour of Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery: $105
  • Full-Day Tour to La Fortaleza Distillery and Cantaritos: $155
  • Private Adventure Day Tour to Tequila and Cazcanes Distillery: $156
  • Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $161
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $167
  • Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $211
  • Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $264


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Bar Harbor?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara 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.