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

Should you visit Tampa or Bangor?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Bangor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food and beaches. See Tampa 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.

Tampa and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Tampa or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tampa. Although Tampa and Bangor are popular destinations, Tampa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tampa is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Bangor attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, shopping, and small town charm. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also well known for Busch Gardens. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Tampa different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tampa
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tampa
Bangor

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Bangor can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Bangor offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Tampa or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Bangor

Both Tampa and Bangor have reasonable vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Bangor is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Tampa or Bangor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Bangor

Tampa is a moderate city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Tampa or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Bangor

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

The beaches at Tampa attract visitors from all over. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Bangor?

Tampa
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Bangor Better for Families?

Tampa
Bangor

Tampa 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.

Tampa is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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


Is Tampa or Bangor Better for Couples?

Tampa
Bangor

Neither Tampa or Bangor is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Tampa is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Tampa
Bangor

Bangor is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in 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 Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Bangor a more walkable city?

Tampa
Bangor

Bangor is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.


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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tampa or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tampa 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 Tampa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than Tampa 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 Tampa or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Tampa or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bangor, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tampa or Bangor?

Tampa 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. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Bangor is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Bangor. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Tampa or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the low-key destination of Tampa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Bangor. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor or Tampa?

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

  • Tampa Prices
    USA Prices
    Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tampa $218
    Bangor $237

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $218, 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 Tampa and Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • TPA Airport Private Transfer to Tampa(downtown): $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $50
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels: $59
  • St Petersburg to Tampa Airport (TPA) -Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Lakeland / Winter Haven to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $60

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 Tampa or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor and Tampa 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
    Tampa $92
    Bangor $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

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

  • Ybor City Food Tour with 5 Local Delicacies Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $20
    Bangor $45

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • Historic Ybor City Self Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Ybor City Immigrant influence Smart Phone guided App (GPS) walking tour: $9.75
  • Tampa's Highlights Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Tampa by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Tampa Riverwalk Private Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $23
  • Tides of Tethered Terror: Tampa Ghost Tours: $24
  • Selfie WRLD Admission Ticket: $25
  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park Ticket with After Hours Option: $30
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $31
  • Tampa History Cruise: $31

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
    Tampa $26
    Bangor $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Naples Bar Crawl Experience: $15
  • Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $40
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on New Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Downtown 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour: $145
  • Tampa's Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart: $275


When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Bangor, we can see that Bangor is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Bangor?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Bangor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Bangor. Many visitors come to Tampa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tampa or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bangor because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Tampa is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Tampa usually receives less rain than Bangor. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Tampa during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tampa because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bangor in the winter. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Tampa usually gets less rain in January than Bangor. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Bangor. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm.

Tampa is much warmer than Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Bangor. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Tampa

Tampa Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)