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

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

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic 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 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.

Dallas and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Portland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Dallas 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. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas 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 Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Dallas is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its live music scene. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is Dallas or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Portland?

Dallas is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas or Portland Better for Families?

Dallas 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.

Dallas is a very family-friendly destination. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas or Portland Better for Couples?

Dallas is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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.

Is Dallas or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Dallas or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Both Dallas and Portland offer nice public transit options.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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

Is Dallas or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Portland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Dallas 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 Dallas or Portland?

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Portland?

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

Portland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Portland?

Dallas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Portland?

Dallas 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.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the eclectic destination of Portland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dallas or Portland?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dallas is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 88°F (31°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 Dallas. In the summer, Dallas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Portland. Many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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.

Dallas is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Portland. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dallas or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Dallas 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. In the winter, Dallas is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dallas in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Portland. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dallas 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 April, Dallas is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 68°F (20°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 Dallas. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Portland. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Dallas