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

Should you visit Atlanta or Portland, Maine?

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

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

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portland, Maine

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

Atlanta and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Portland, Maine. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Atlanta different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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, Maine?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Atlanta on the map. 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, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Atlanta 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 Atlanta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Atlanta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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 Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Portland, Maine?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Atlanta is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is adequate for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Atlanta is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. 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 Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Portland, Maine are both nice 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, 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 Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. 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.

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 Atlanta or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

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

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

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 Atlanta or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Atlanta or Portland, Maine?

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

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Portland, Maine. 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.

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Portland, Maine?

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town 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, Maine?

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland, Maine has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Portland, Maine?

Atlanta 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.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Portland, Maine?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, 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, Atlanta is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Portland, Maine. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Portland, Maine. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Atlanta is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 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 Atlanta