A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Portland for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive 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.

Charlotte and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charlotte. Although Charlotte and Portland are about the same size, Charlotte has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charlotte is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Charlotte 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. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. Also, Charlotte is famous for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Charlotte different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlotte is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte is a 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 Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

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 Charlotte or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Charlotte and Portland.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland. 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 Charlotte or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its music scene. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a live music destination.

Is Charlotte or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is great for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Portland?

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Portland both offer plenty of notable spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Portland is a great destination for shopping. 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 Charlotte or Portland Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Portland.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Charlotte or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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 Charlotte or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Portland Better for Students?

For students, both Charlotte and Portland are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Portland is a good city to visit for 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 Charlotte or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Charlotte or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Portland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Charlotte or Portland?

The city of Charlotte offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Portland?

Charlotte 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the tree-lined destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Portland?

Charlotte 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the tree-lined city of Portland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Portland?

Charlotte is a great place to explore. 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.

Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Portland, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Portland?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Portland?

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 Charlotte or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Portland. Many travelers come to Charlotte for 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, Charlotte is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Portland. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the autumn for 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 October, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Portland. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte 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. Charlotte is a little warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Charlotte gets 173 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 January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Portland. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of 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, Charlotte is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Portland. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Charlotte