Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Eureka Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Eureka Springs or Portland, Maine?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Eureka Springs 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: Eureka Springs or Portland, Maine?
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a resort town in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. It offers a variety of dining and shopping such as local crafts and art galleries. Nearby is Beaver Lake. Most of the town is a Victorian village, it has a European look and feel with Victorian cottages and homes spilling over steep winding streets.
The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is because most of the town contains old history buildings which were constructed as a result of the town's unique history. The town was founded and grew very quickly. On July 4, 1879, the town was founded, and by the end of that year reached a population of 10,000. The reason for the town's growth was the area's numerous cold water springs which at the time were thought to have medicinal healing properties. However, this claim was fairly short lived, and when the tourism boom busted, the new town full of Victorian homes was left in the Ozark wilderness without an economy. Then, few new buildings were built. Hundreds of Victorian homes have remained and been preserved ranging from tiny cottages to huge mansions. In the Spring of 2001, Eureka Springs was named one of 12 Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEureka Springs $142Portland, Maine $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Eureka Springs is $142, 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 Eureka Springs and Portland, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEureka Springs $100Portland, Maine $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEureka Springs $200Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Eureka Springs and Portland, Maine
Looking for a hotel in Eureka Springs 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: Eureka Springs Hotel Prices and Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eureka Springs $47Portland, Maine $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
- Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Eureka Springs or Portland, Maine?
Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Eureka Springs 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 dayEureka Springs $19Portland, Maine $48
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.Eureka Springs -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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEureka Springs -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 Eureka Springs and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Eureka Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eureka Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eureka Springs 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 Eureka Springs.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eureka Springs Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eureka Springs or Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Eureka Springs. When comparing the sizes of Eureka Springs 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.
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.