A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Arlington or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Portland, Maine, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Arlington and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

Both Portland, Maine and Arlington have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Arlington is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Arlington different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

Arlington is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Arlington is an experience not to be missed. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Arlington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Arlington and Portland, Maine.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Portland, Maine is a great destination for shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Arlington and Portland, Maine are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Arlington is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Arlington and Portland, Maine are both nice to visit as a couple.

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arlington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Arlington is well known for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Arlington or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Arlington is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arlington and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Arlington than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Portland, Maine 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

The historical destination of Arlington offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Portland, Maine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

Arlington is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portland, Maine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Portland, Maine, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland, Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland, Maine 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Portland, Maine.

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Portland, Maine?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Portland, Maine, 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 Arlington or Portland, Maine?

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 Arlington or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Arlington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Arlington is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the summer, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Arlington is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during autumn. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arlington usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arlington or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Portland, Maine. The winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. The weather in Arlington can be very cold. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Portland, Maine. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Arlington is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arlington usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Arlington