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

Should you visit Richmond or Bar Harbor?

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 Richmond and Bar Harbor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Richmond travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Richmond and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
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


Is there more to do in Richmond or Bar Harbor?

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

How is Richmond different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Richmond 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 Richmond. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Bar Harbor is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Richmond or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Richmond is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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 Richmond or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is very good for its resorts. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.


Is Richmond or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

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

Many people head to Bar Harbor to enjoy the beach. 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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is Richmond or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. 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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Bar Harbor?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.


Is Richmond or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Richmond or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Richmond or Bar Harbor.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Richmond or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.


Is Richmond or Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

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

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Both Richmond and Bar Harbor offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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

Is Richmond or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Richmond
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.


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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Richmond and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bar Harbor than in Richmond. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Richmond, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

Families should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Richmond. 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond.


  • How many days in Richmond or Bar Harbor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Richmond 1-2 
    Bar Harbor 2-3

One day in Richmond or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Richmond, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Richmond, one day is sufficent for most.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Richmond or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Richmond, there's plenty to do. 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 is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bar Harbor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Bar Harbor?

Richmond, 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 popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Richmond or Bar Harbor?

Richmond 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.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Richmond?

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

  • Richmond Prices
    USA Prices
    Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Richmond $176
    Bar Harbor $243

The average daily cost (per person) in Richmond is $176, 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 Richmond and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Richmond 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 Richmond


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: Richmond Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Bar Harbor $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Richmond or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Richmond 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
    Richmond $36
    Bar Harbor $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • Church Hill Food Tour: $89
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $89
  • The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond: $90
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $94
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $99

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.
    Richmond $13
    Bar Harbor $39

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • The Haunted History of Richmond tour: $25
  • Uncivil Wards History Tour: $25
  • The Church Hill tour with Historian Jane: $25
  • Shadows of Shockoe Ghost Tour: $26
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $27
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $27
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $27
  • Creepy Tales on Campus Ghost Tour: $27
  • Specters & Shades of Court End Ghost Tour: $27

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:

  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $20
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Richmond -
    Bar Harbor $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Virginia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $37
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $86
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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

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


Which is Bigger, Richmond or Bar Harbor?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Richmond is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Richmond in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Richmond. In July, Richmond usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Richmond 78°F (26°C) 
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Richmond during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Richmond is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 59°F (15°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Richmond usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bar Harbor. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. Richmond can be very cold during winter. Richmond is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Richmond usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Bar Harbor. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In the spring, Richmond is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Richmond in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Richmond usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Richmond

Richmond Bar Harbor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)