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

Should you visit Baltimore 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 Baltimore and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Portland are roughly the same size, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. 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 Baltimore different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its live music scene. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is Baltimore or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Portland?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Portland Better for Families?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Portland are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Baltimore or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Baltimore or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Baltimore can move around easily with public transportation. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Portland a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Portland both are superb when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Portland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Portland?

The city of Baltimore offers food and shopping. 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.

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Baltimore or Portland?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the nature-filled destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Portland?

Baltimore 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Portland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Portland?

Baltimore 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.

Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Portland?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Portland?

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 Baltimore or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Portland. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Baltimore can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Portland. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Portland. The spring months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In April, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Portland. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Baltimore