A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Portland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Auckland or Portland?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a nature-filled, scenic, and laid-back city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, hiking, and shopping. See Portland travel costs.

Auckland and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Auckland than Portland. While Portland is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Auckland different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Auckland. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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 Auckland or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland 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 Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Auckland or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

Auckland has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Auckland or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Auckland or Portland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Auckland attract visitors from all over. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. 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.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Portland?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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 Auckland or Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Portland Better for Families?

Auckland 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.

Auckland is a very family-friendly destination. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland or Portland Better for Couples?

Auckland is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Auckland or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and Portland are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Auckland or Portland Better for Students?

Auckland 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 Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Auckland and Portland.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Auckland or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Auckland and Portland. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Auckland than Portland. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Auckland or Portland?

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Auckland or Portland?

Auckland 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auckland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Portland?

Auckland 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 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.

A week in Auckland or Portland?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Portland is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland than you might in Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Portland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Portland has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as Portlandin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Portlandin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Auckland is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C)in October.

In the autumn, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portlandin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Portlandin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Portland. Most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portlandin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Portland. The spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In October, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Portlandin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Portlandin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Portlandin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Auckland