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

Should you visit Nashville 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 Nashville 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.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Nashville travel costs.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bangor travel costs.

Nashville and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Bangor is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Nashville is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Nashville different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville
Bangor

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nashville or Bangor.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.


Is the Food Better in Nashville or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Bangor

Nashville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Nashville is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Bangor

Nashville is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Nashville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Bangor Better for Music?

Nashville
Bangor

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

In Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Bangor is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Bangor

Nashville is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Bangor?

Nashville
Bangor

Bangor is a town with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Bangor Better for Families?

Nashville
Bangor

Both Nashville and Bangor are notable to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bangor. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.


Is Nashville or Bangor Better for Couples?

Nashville
Bangor

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

Nashville is a good city for couples to visit. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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 Nashville or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Bangor

Nashville is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.

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

Nashville
Bangor

Bangor is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville 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 Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.


Is Nashville or Bangor a more walkable city?

Nashville
Bangor

Bangor is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Bangor?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nashville or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Nashville or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nashville. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Bangor. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Bangor?

Nashville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the welcoming destination of Bangor. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nashville or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 food and shopping when visiting the welcoming town of Bangor. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Bangor?

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

Bangor is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Nashville?

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

  • Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
    Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nashville $202
    Bangor $237

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $202, 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 Nashville and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Nashville 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 Nashville


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: Nashville Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Reliable Airport Transfer to Downtown Nashville: $35
  • Private Transfer Nashville Airport BNA to Nashville City: $50
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Airport Transfer Mini Van (Sienna Or Odyssey Or Similar): $65
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Luxe Transfer: $90
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • One way Private Transfer from International Airport to Nashville : $97
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150

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 Nashville or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Nashville 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
    Nashville $72
    Bangor $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Nashville: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Nashville: $75
  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Local Delicacies: $99
  • East Nashville Sidewalk Food Tour : $99
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $112
  • East Nashville Food Tour: Flavors & Stories of the East Side: $145
  • East Nashville Guided Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Dishing on Downtown: Nashville Food Tour: $145
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Nashville Music City Smart Phone Self-Guided Audio/App Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Nashville Exploration Game and Tour: Sound Heist: $7.16
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $7.70
  • Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Factory Tour: $8.74
  • Nashville’s Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Mechanical Bull Ride with Skip The Line Access: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Nashville by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Legends of Country Music Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Natchez Trace Parkway: $17

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
    Nashville $15
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Ghosts: Adults-Only Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Journey to Jubilee Guided Tour at Belle Meade with Wine Tasting: $29
  • Nashville Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Venues & Drink Specials: $30
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $33
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Ghostly Pub Crawl: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Bangor?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Bangor. The summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, 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.

In July, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Nashville is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Nashville usually receives less rain than Bangor. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Nashville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. In the winter, Nashville is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Bangor. Many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Nashville is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Bangor. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Nashville

Nashville Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)