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

Should you visit Columbia or Portland?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a laid-back, progressive, and quirky city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Columbia and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland than Columbia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Portland is very popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums. Portland is more touristy than Columbia 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. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Columbia and Portland.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbia. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Portland may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Columbia or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia and Portland are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Columbia or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is Columbia or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Portland?

Both Columbia and Portland are nice shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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 Columbia or Portland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbia or Portland.

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Portland is a family-friendly city. 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 Columbia or Portland Better for Couples?

Portland is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Portland Better for Students?

Columbia and Portland are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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.

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

Portland is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Columbia or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Portland?

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

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

The city of Columbia 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Columbia or Portland?

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

Portland 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Portland?

Columbia 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 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 Columbia or Portland?

Columbia 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Columbia during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the summer, Columbia often gets less sunshine than Portland. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Portland. Most visitors come to Columbia 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.

Columbia is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Portland. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Portland. The winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Portland. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Columbia usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Portland. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Columbia