A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck Key vs. Portland, Maine for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Duck Key or Portland, Maine?

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 Duck Key and Portland, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Portland, Maine?

Duck Key

If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.

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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Duck Key?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $143, 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 Duck Key and Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck Key $56
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck Key $112
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Duck Key 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.

Hotels in Duck Key


Hotels in Portland, Maine


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: Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck Key $69
    Portland, Maine $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42
  • 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
  • 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 Duck Key or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Duck Key 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Duck Key $45
    Portland, Maine $48

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck Key $30
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Black History Walking Tour: $49
  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour: $49
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $79
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Casco Bay Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $75
  • Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour: $250
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $48
  • Donut Tasting Walking Tour in Portland’s Old Port: $48
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour: $70
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck Key $7.99
    Portland, Maine $24

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 Duck Key and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Duck Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Duck Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck Key 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, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine than you might in Duck Key.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key 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 Duck Key or Portland, Maine?

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 Duck Key or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Duck Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Duck Key is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the summer, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Duck Key usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Portland, Maine. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In October, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Duck Key gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Portland, Maine. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. Duck Key is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the winter, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Duck Key usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Duck Key is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Duck Key

Duck Key Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)