A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Berkshires vs. Portland, Maine for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Berkshires or Portland, Maine?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Berkshires and Portland, Maine can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Berkshires or Portland, Maine?

Berkshires

The Berkshires are a popular highland destination in the western part of Massachusetts and northwest Connecticut. The region has scenic landscape, hiking, lakes, recreational opportunities and other outdoor experiences. The Berkshires also has an impressive cultural scene with music, arts, museums, and live theaters.

The Berkshires can be a bit expensive to visit if you stay at a luxury resort and take advantage of the award winning restaurants in the area. Alternatively, the experience can be equally rewarding by camping, picnicking, and spending your time hiking and enjoying the beautiful natural setting.

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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Berkshires?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkshires is $244, 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 Berkshires and Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkshires $141
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkshires $282
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Berkshires and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Berkshires 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 Berkshires


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: Berkshires Hotel Prices and Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkshires $47
    Portland, Maine $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkshires or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Berkshires 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
    Berkshires $73
    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.
    Berkshires $25
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Berkshires

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

  • 2-Hour Guided Private Forest Bathing Experience Lenox: $40

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 Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
  • Portland: Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
  • Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $32
  • Sightseeing Trolley Tour with a Guide: $33
  • Peek at Portland Sightseeing Trolley Tour: $33
  • Portland: Sightseeing Cruise to Portland Head Light: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berkshires $31
    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 Berkshires and Portland, Maine, we can see that Berkshires is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland, Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland, Maine 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 Berkshires would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkshires than you might in Portland, Maine.

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



When is the best time to visit Berkshires 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 Berkshires or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Berkshires are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Berkshires is around the same temperature as Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berkshires in July average around 72°F (22°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 Berkshires. Berkshires usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Berkshires gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Berkshires usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Berkshires gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berkshires 72°F (22°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

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

Both Portland, Maine and Berkshires during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Berkshires is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Berkshires average around 51°F (11°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In the autumn, Berkshires often gets less sunshine than Portland, Maine. Berkshires gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Berkshires usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkshires 51°F (11°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkshires and Portland, Maine. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. Berkshires can be very cold during winter. Berkshires is around the same temperature as Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Berkshires averages around 22°F (-6°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Berkshires usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Berkshires gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Berkshires usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Berkshires gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkshires 22°F (-6°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Berkshires as well as Portland, Maine. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In the spring, Berkshires is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berkshires in April average around 47°F (9°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 Berkshires this time of the year. In the spring, Berkshires often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Berkshires gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Berkshires usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Berkshires gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berkshires 47°F (9°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Berkshires

Berkshires Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°F (-6°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 24°F (-4°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 47°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 51°F (11°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 28°F (-2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)