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

Should you visit Cleveland or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Portland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, hiking, and shopping.

Cleveland and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland than Cleveland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Portland is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is known for its museums & sights and music. Portland is more touristy than Cleveland 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. It is also home to Washington Park. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll 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 Cleveland or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cleveland and Portland can be difficult as they are each decent in their own way.

Cleveland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

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 Cleveland or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cleveland and Portland.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

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 Cleveland or Portland Better for Music?

Cleveland is a very popular place for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Cleveland while you're in town. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Cleveland or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Portland?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cleveland and Portland.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

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 Cleveland or Portland Better for Families?

Cleveland and Portland are both good destinations for the whole family.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

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 Cleveland or Portland Better for Couples?

Portland is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Cleveland or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Cleveland or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. 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.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Cleveland or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Portland?

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

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

The city of Cleveland offers live music 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 Cleveland or Portland?

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the quirky 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 Cleveland or Portland?

Cleveland 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 progressive 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 Cleveland or Portland?

Cleveland 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cleveland is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Portland. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cleveland or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Cleveland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cleveland is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cleveland in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Cleveland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Portland. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cleveland is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 28°F (-2°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Cleveland usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Portland. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cleveland or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Portland. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Cleveland is around the same temperature as Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In the spring, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Portland. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Cleveland