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

Should you visit Houston or Bar Harbor?

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 Houston and Bar Harbor. 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.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Houston travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed 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 hiking, shopping, and food. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Houston and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Bar Harbor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Bar Harbor are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Houston and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Houston different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston 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 Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Houston and Bar Harbor both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

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

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

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

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Houston or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Houston 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.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bar Harbor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Houston or Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Houston is a city with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Houston is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Bar Harbor.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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

Is Houston or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Houston?

How long in Houston or Bar Harbor?

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

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

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

One day in Houston or Bar Harbor?

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 is a small town with plenty to do. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Houston or Bar Harbor?

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bar Harbor has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Bar Harbor?

Houston, 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.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Bar Harbor?

Houston 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Houston and Bar Harbor, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Houston or Bar Harbor?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Bar Harbor. The autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Houston is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Houston is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

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

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Houston