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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Portland?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Portland? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland than Cincinnati. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Portland is very popular for its food, music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums. Portland is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also well known for Washington Park. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cincinnati and Portland.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland has a few options to choose from. 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 Cincinnati or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

Is Cincinnati or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. 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.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Portland?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portland and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cincinnati or Portland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Portland.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Portland offers lots of family activities. 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 Cincinnati or Portland Better for Couples?

Portland is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Is Cincinnati or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a popular place for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cincinnati and Portland.

You'll find some public transit in Cincinnati, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Cincinnati or Portland a more walkable city?

Cincinnati and Portland both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Portland is a very walkable destination. 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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portland than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

Couples should spend more time in Portland than Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Portland?

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

With shopping and nightlife around the quirky city of Portland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Portland?

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Portland, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Cincinnati or Portland?

Cincinnati 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Portland?

Cincinnati 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Portland?

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 Cincinnati or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Portland. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Portland. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the museums and the shopping scene. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. The weather in Cincinnati can be very cold. In the winter, Cincinnati is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Portland. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Portland. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Portland. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Cincinnati