Should you visit Acadia National Park or Portland, Maine?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Portland, Maine, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Acadia National Park
Located in the U.S. state of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses much of Mount Desert Island, including smaller islands just off the Atlantic Coast. Once inhabited by the Wabanaki people, the region was a hub for seasonal fishing, hunting, and gathering berries, clams, and other shellfish on the coast. Acadia officially became a National Park in 1919, though it wasn't named Acadia until 1929 in honor of the former French colony.
Portland, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
Which city is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Acadia National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $138, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $120. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Acadia National Park and Portland, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Acadia National Park can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $77, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $154.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $104. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Portland, Maine the cost is $208 on average.
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Accommodation
Hotel or hostel for one person
Acadia National Park $77
Portland, Maine $104
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Accommodation
Typical double-occupancy room
Acadia National Park
$154
Portland, Maine
$208
Food
The average traveler spends about $36 per day in Acadia National Park for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
On average, meal and food prices in Portland, Maine cost around $15 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $6.00.
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Food
Meals for one day
Acadia National Park $36
Portland, Maine $15
Typical Food prices in Acadia National Park
For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
Typical Food prices in Portland, Maine
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:
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Breakfast for 2
$17
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Dinner for 2
$30
Local Transportation
Acadia National Park's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $37 per person, per day on transportation in Acadia National Park.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Acadia National Park can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $27 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine
Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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2.5-Hour History Tour with Sweet Treat:
$35
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City & Lighthouse Tour:
$45
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Guided Bike Tour Around The Peninsula:
$63
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Tasting Tour to Local Breweries:
$69
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Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour:
$86
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Acadia National Park spend on average $8.67 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
When comparing the travel costs between Acadia National Park and Portland, Maine, we can see that Acadia National Park 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.
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