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

Should you visit Atlanta or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Portland, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Portland. While Portland is larger than Atlanta, Atlanta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Portland?

Atlanta is very popular for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Atlanta or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Portland?

Atlanta is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Atlanta or Portland Better for Families?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly destination. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Atlanta or Portland Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Portland are both notable to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Atlanta or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Atlanta or Portland Better for Students?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Portland?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Atlanta 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 Portland.

One day in Atlanta or Portland?

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Portland?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Portland?

Atlanta 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.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Portland?

Atlanta 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 city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Atlanta Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Portland, 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 Atlanta or Portland?

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 Atlanta or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Portland. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Portland. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Portland. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Atlanta is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Portland. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Portland. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Atlanta