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

Should you visit Beaufort or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Portland, Maine, 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 character-filled, southern, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Beaufort and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaufort than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaufort is better known for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. Also, Beaufort is famous for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Beaufort different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaufort is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Beaufort. 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, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Beaufort 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 Beaufort is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Beaufort or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine 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, Maine. 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.

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, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. 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.

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.

Is Beaufort or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Beaufort. 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, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Portland, Maine?

Both Beaufort and Portland, Maine are notable 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, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Beaufort or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its Christmas activities. However, Beaufort does not offer Christmas activities.

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Beaufort does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Beaufort or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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, Maine Better for Couples?

Beaufort is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Beaufort frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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, Maine is a nice destination for couples. 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 Beaufort or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Beaufort or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

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 Beaufort or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Beaufort or Portland, Maine?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than Portland, Maine. 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, Maine 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, Maine.

One day in Beaufort or Portland, Maine?

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine offers nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Beaufort or Portland, Maine?

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town 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 Portland, Maine, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Portland, Maine?

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine 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, Maine?

Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaufort and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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, 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 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, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beaufort gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Beaufort is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the autumn, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. In the winter, Beaufort is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Beaufort during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), 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 Beaufort. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 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 Beaufort