Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Portland, Maine?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Portland, Maine, 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.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Portland, Maine?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
Portland, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Portland, Maine $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dayton and Portland, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Portland, Maine $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Portland, Maine
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Portland, Maine? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dayton Hotel Prices and Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Portland, Maine $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
- Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42
- Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Portland, Maine?
Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Dayton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Portland, Maine $48
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:
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Breakfast for 2$17
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Dinner for 2$30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Portland, Maine $39
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine
Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
- Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
- Walking Tour Audio Guide: $8.49
- Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
- Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
- Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
- Portland: Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
- Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Portland, Maine $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:
- Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
- Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Portland, Maine, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland, Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland, Maine 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Portland, Maine.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Portland, Maine?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Portland, Maine, 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 Dayton or Portland, Maine?
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 Dayton or Portland, Maine in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Portland, Maine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Dayton is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Portland, Maine. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dayton is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).
In the autumn, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Portland, Maine in the Winter?
Both Portland, Maine and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.
It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. The weather in Dayton can be very cold. In January, Dayton is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Portland, Maine in the Spring?
Both Portland, Maine and Dayton during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Dayton is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dayton. In the spring, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Portland, Maine. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Dayton
| Dayton | Portland, Maine | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.