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

Should you visit Columbus or Portland?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled 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.

Columbus and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Portland than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Portland, Portland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its museums. Portland is more touristy than Columbus 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. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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 Columbus or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Columbus and Portland both to be decent destinations.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

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 Columbus or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for live music. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is Columbus or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Portland?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus or Portland Better for Families?

Columbus is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Portland Better for Couples?

Portland is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus 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 Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Columbus or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Portland?

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

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

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

The city of Columbus 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 Columbus or Portland?

Columbus 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 Columbus, 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 Columbus or Portland?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Portland?

Columbus 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Portland?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus 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.

Columbus is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°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 Columbus. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Portland. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbus 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.

In the autumn, Columbus is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Portland. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Portland. The winter months attract visitors to Columbus 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. The weather in Columbus can be very cold. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Columbus usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Columbus gets 105 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, Columbus usually receives less rain than Portland. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Portland. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Columbus is a little warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Portland. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Columbus