Should I Visit Eugene or Portland for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Eugene or Portland?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Eugene and Portland. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Eugene or Portland?

Eugene

At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene is most recognized as the home of the University of Oregon. It's a smaller city with a liberal population that is generally concerned about environmental issues. A popular experience in Eugene is to go to the Saturday Market, which has been around since 1970 and is the oldest open air market in the United States.

Portland

Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

Which place is cheaper, Portland or Eugene?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Eugene Prices
USA Prices

Portland Prices
USA Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Eugene $190

Portland $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Eugene is $190, while the average daily cost in Portland is $211. 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 Eugene and Portland in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Eugene $97

Portland $97
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Eugene $194

Portland $194

Compare Hotels in Eugene and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Eugene or Portland? 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: Eugene Hotel Prices and Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Eugene $37

Portland $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $156
Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $156
Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $232
Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $156
Private Transfer from Portland City Hotels to Astoria Cruise Port: $285
Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Eugene or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland and Eugene 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

Eugene $71

Portland $74

Typical Food Prices in Eugene

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:

Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)

$16
Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)

$12

Typical Food Prices in Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Afternoon Drinks (for 2)

$9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Walking Pizza Tour: $75
Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $92
Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
Downtown Food Tour: $102
The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127
Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise: $127
All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $128

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Eugene -

Portland $24

Tours and Activities in Portland

For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
Portland (Along the Waterfront) Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $13
Portland Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
Portlandia Prowl Amazing Race & Tour: $24
Portland, Maine Madness Amazing Race & Tour: $24
Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour: $29
Portland, Oregon: Soul of the City Walking Tour: $29
Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Psychopaths Walking Tour: $32
Portland, Oregon: Pink Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $32
Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $34
Macabre Ghost History of Portland, Oregon walking tour: $34
Portland, Maine: Tour in Vintage Fire Engine: $36

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Eugene -

Portland $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
Oregon Priority Wine Tasting Pass: $40
Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
Urban Wine Tasting Tour: $139
Portland Urban Wine Tasting Tour: $139
Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting: $139
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Portland: $149
Mt Hood, Waterfalls, and Wine Tour with Tasting Fees Included: $155

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Eugene 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 Eugene Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Eugene or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Eugene. When comparing the sizes of Eugene 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 Eugene 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 Eugene or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Eugene as well as Portland. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Eugene is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Eugene average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Eugene usually gets less rain in July than Portland. Eugene gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Summer Average Temperatures July

Eugene 68°F (20°C)

Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Eugene are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Eugene is around the same temperature as Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eugene averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Eugene. In October, Eugene usually receives more rain than Portland. Eugene gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Eugene 55°F (13°C)

Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Eugene during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. In the winter, Eugene is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eugene in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Eugene. Eugene usually gets more rain in January than Portland. Eugene gets 7.1 inches (181 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Winter Average Temperatures January

Eugene 41°F (5°C)

Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Eugene and Portland. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Eugene is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Eugene average around 51°F (11°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Eugene usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Eugene gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Spring Average Temperatures April

Eugene 51°F (11°C)

Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Eugene

	Eugene		Portland
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	41°F (5°C)	7.1 inches (181 mm)	40°F (4°C)	5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb	45°F (7°C)	5.2 inches (133 mm)	44°F (7°C)	3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar	48°F (9°C)	4.6 inches (118 mm)	47°F (9°C)	3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr	51°F (11°C)	2.2 inches (57 mm)	51°F (11°C)	2.4 inches (61 mm)
May	56°F (13°C)	2 inches (50 mm)	57°F (14°C)	2 inches (51 mm)
Jun	63°F (17°C)	1.3 inches (34 mm)	64°F (18°C)	1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul	68°F (20°C)	0.3 inches (8 mm)	68°F (20°C)	0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug	68°F (20°C)	0.4 inches (11 mm)	69°F (20°C)	1 inches (25 mm)
Sep	63°F (17°C)	1.1 inches (28 mm)	63°F (17°C)	1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct	55°F (13°C)	4.3 inches (109 mm)	55°F (13°C)	2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov	47°F (8°C)	5.9 inches (149 mm)	46°F (8°C)	5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec	42°F (5°C)	6.3 inches (161 mm)	40°F (5°C)	6.1 inches (156 mm)

A Travel Price Comparison for Oregon Eugene vs. Portland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Eugene or Portland?

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

Where Should I go: Eugene or Portland?

Eugene

Portland

Which place is cheaper, Portland or Eugene?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Eugene and Portland

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

Is it cheaper to fly into Eugene or Portland?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Eugene

Typical Food Prices in Portland

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Portland

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland

Which is Bigger, Eugene or Portland?

When is the best time to visit Eugene or Portland?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Summer?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Autumn?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Winter?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Portland and Eugene

Related Articles for Eugene

Related Articles for Portland

A Travel Price Comparison for Oregon Eugene vs. Portland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Eugene or Portland?

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

Where Should I go: Eugene or Portland?

Eugene

Portland

Which place is cheaper, Portland or Eugene?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Eugene and Portland

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

Is it cheaper to fly into Eugene or Portland?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Eugene

Typical Food Prices in Portland

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Portland

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland

Which is Bigger, Eugene or Portland?

When is the best time to visit Eugene or Portland?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Summer?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Autumn?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Winter?

Should I visit Eugene or Portland in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Portland and Eugene

Related Articles for Eugene

Related Articles for Portland

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