A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basse-Terre vs. Portland, Maine for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine?

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

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


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Basse-Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $162, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Basse-Terre and Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basse-Terre $96
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basse-Terre $192
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Basse-Terre


Hotels in Portland, Maine


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basse-Terre $8.57
    Portland, Maine $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Basse-Terre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Basse-Terre $49
    Portland, Maine $48

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basse-Terre $50
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:

  • Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $214

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
  • Walking Tour Audio Guide: $8.49
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
  • Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Portland: Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
  • Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basse-Terre $14
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basse-Terre and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Basse-Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Portland, Maine 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 Basse-Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Basse-Terre 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, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine than you might in Basse-Terre.

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


Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In July, Basse-Terre is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Portland, Maine. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Basse-Terre is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the autumn, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Basse-Terre is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basse-Terre in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basse-Terre usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Basse-Terre during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Basse-Terre is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 26°C (78°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the spring, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in April than Portland, Maine. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)