A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Portland, Maine for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a scenic, idyllic, and wild city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Portland, Maine

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

Cabo San Lucas and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas is an experience not to be missed. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Portland, Maine are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Many people visit Portland, Maine for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with a few options for its Christmas activities. However, Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cabo San Lucas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Portland, Maine 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

The wild destination of Cabo San Lucas offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

The city of Cabo San Lucas offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

The scenic city of Cabo San Lucas offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal town of Portland, Maine. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.