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

Should you visit Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

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, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Portland, Maine, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Baltimore is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Portland, Maine is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Baltimore different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

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

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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is well known for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Baltimore or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

Baltimore is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with a few options for its Christmas activities. However, Baltimore does not offer Christmas activities.

The Christmas holiday can be fun in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Baltimore does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Baltimore or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

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

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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is well known for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most places easily. 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.

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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

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

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

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

How long in Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

The vibrant destination of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

The city of Baltimore 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 scenic 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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

Baltimore 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 picturesque 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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine?

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 Baltimore or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In October, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Portland, Maine. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. Baltimore is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Baltimore is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Baltimore