A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cape Cod and Portland, Maine. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cape Cod and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Cape Cod different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is an experience not to be missed. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a popular place for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod and Portland, Maine both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. 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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Cape Cod and Portland, Maine, and they are nice.

Cape Cod offers some nice hiking trails. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is adequate for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Cod is a beach destination with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore 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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Cape Cod is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable beach destination. 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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cape Cod than Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cape Cod and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Cape Cod or Portland, Maine?

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 Cape Cod or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Portland, Maine. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Cod often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Cape Cod gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cape Cod is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during autumn. Cape Cod gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In October, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Cape Cod during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cape Cod is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Cape Cod often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Cape Cod gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in January than Portland, Maine. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cape Cod is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during spring. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Cape Cod