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

Should you visit Gainesville or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Portland, 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.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a quirky, eclectic, and tree-lined city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Gainesville and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland than Gainesville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is known for its museums, food, and nightlife. Portland is more touristy than Gainesville 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. It is also home to Washington Park. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Gainesville 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 Gainesville. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

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 Gainesville or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gainesville is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Gainesville. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

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 Gainesville or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

Gainesville has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

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 Gainesville or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Gainesville is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Gainesville is not a live music destination.

Is Gainesville or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Portland?

Both Gainesville and Portland are good shopping destinations.

Gainesville is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Portland. 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 Gainesville or Portland Better for Families?

Gainesville and Portland are both good destinations for the whole family.

Gainesville is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Portland is a family-friendly city. 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 Gainesville or Portland Better for Couples?

Gainesville and Portland are both good to visit as a couple.

Gainesville is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

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 Gainesville or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is notable for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Gainesville or Portland Better for Students?

Gainesville is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Gainesville. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Portland is popular with 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.

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

Both Gainesville and Portland offer good public transit options.

Gainesville has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

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

Is Gainesville or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is notable for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Gainesville is a somewhat walkable place. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gainesville and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portland than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

The city of Gainesville offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the tree-lined city of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Portland?

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

Visitors enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the progressive destination of Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Gainesville or Portland?

Gainesville 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.

The nature-filled city of Portland offers shopping and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Gainesville or Portland?

Gainesville 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Portland. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Portland, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. And not only is Portland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland 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 Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville than you might in Portland.

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

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Portland?

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

Both Portland and Gainesville during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gainesville. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Portland. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gainesville is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Portland. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Gainesville or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. In January, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Portland. Gainesville usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Gainesville is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Portland. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Portland and Gainesville