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

Should you visit Beaufort or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Portland, 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.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a laid-back, progressive, and quirky city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Beaufort and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although Beaufort and Portland are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaufort is more popular for its museums & sights, food, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland is known for its nightlife, music, and hiking. Portland is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Beaufort different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaufort is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey 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 Beaufort or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort 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 Beaufort. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

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 Beaufort or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Beaufort or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Beaufort is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Beaufort is not a live music destination.

Is Beaufort or Portland Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Beaufort is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Portland?

Both Beaufort and Portland are good shopping destinations.

Beaufort is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Portland. 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 Beaufort or Portland Better for Families?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Beaufort or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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 Beaufort or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is notable for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.

Is Beaufort or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a nice place to visit for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Portland is a good city to visit for 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.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Beaufort or Portland a more walkable city?

Beaufort and Portland both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Portland is a very walkable town. 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 Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaufort and Portland. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland than Beaufort. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Beaufort or Portland?

Beaufort is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, 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 Beaufort or Portland?

Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Portland?

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaufort and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Beaufort.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Beaufort during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the summer, Beaufort often gets less sunshine than Portland. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Portland. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beaufort is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. In January, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Portland. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Beaufort usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Beaufort is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Portland. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Beaufort