A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Portland for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Brisbane or Portland?

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 Brisbane and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Brisbane and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Portland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brisbane than Portland. Brisbane is bigger than Portland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brisbane is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Brisbane different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brisbane is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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 Brisbane or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Brisbane. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

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 Brisbane or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Brisbane has a large number of nightlife venues. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Brisbane or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its music scene. However, Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Brisbane or Portland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Portland Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is great for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. 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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Portland?

Brisbane is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Brisbane or Portland Better for Families?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. 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.

Is Brisbane or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Brisbane and Portland are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. 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 Brisbane or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Brisbane and Portland are superb places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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.

Is Brisbane or Portland Better for Students?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Portland is popular with 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.

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

Brisbane and Portland both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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

Is Brisbane or Portland a more walkable city?

Brisbane and Portland are superb when it comes to walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Portland is very walkable. 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 Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Portland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Portland 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 Brisbane.

One day in Brisbane or Portland?

The coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. 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.

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 Brisbane or Portland?

Brisbane is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city 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 Brisbane, 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 Brisbane or Portland?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Portland?

Brisbane 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 city 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Portland?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Portland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Portland has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Portland. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brisbane is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brisbane in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Portlandin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brisbane or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In April, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Portlandin October. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 22°C (71°F), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Portlandin October. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Portlandin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Brisbane is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In July, Brisbane usually receives less rain than Portlandin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brisbane or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Brisbane during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the spring, Brisbane is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brisbane in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C)in April.

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the spring, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Portlandin April. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Portlandin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Brisbane