A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Bangor for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Bangor?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Bangor can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. Other popular activities here include museums, beaches, and hiking. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Bangor travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Bangor are popular destinations, Jekyll Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Bangor attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also well known for Driftwood Beach. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Jekyll Island different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Bangor and Jekyll Island.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Jekyll Island. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

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 Jekyll Island or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Bangor is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Bangor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Bangor is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Jekyll Island is a moderate island for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Jekyll Island as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Jekyll Island attract visitors from all over. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Jekyll Island is a popular spot for hiking. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Bangor is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Bangor has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.


Is Jekyll Island or Bangor Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Jekyll Island is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Bangor Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Jekyll Island is a island with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Bangor is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.


Is Jekyll Island or Bangor a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Bangor

Bangor is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jekyll Island or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jekyll Island than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than Jekyll Island 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 Bangor.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Bangor. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Jekyll Island 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bangor. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the town of Bangor. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Jekyll Island?

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

  • Jekyll Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Bangor $237

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, while the average daily cost in Bangor is $237. 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 Jekyll Island and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Bangor? 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 Jekyll Island


Hotels in Bangor


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $77
    Bangor $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Bangor $45

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Bangor $23


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

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



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Bangor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Bangor. The summer months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Bangor. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Jekyll Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bangor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Bangor. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Bangor. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)