Which place is cheaper, Portland or Galveston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Galveston and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.
Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.
Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than Portland. While Portland is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Galveston is famous for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also well known for Pleasure Pier. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland and Galveston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Galveston 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 Galveston. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.
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.
Galveston is a town 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 Galveston. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.
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.
Galveston is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Galveston has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.
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.
Portland is very good for its live music scene. However, Galveston is not a live music destination.
Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.
Galveston is not a live music destination.
Galveston is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Galveston. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.
Portland is not a beach destination.
Galveston is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.
Galveston is a good destination for visiting its old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.
Portland does not have a historic old town.
Portland is great for hiking. However, Galveston is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. 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.
Galveston is not a hiking destination.
If you're looking to go shopping, Galveston and Portland both offer plenty of nice spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.
Many visitors go to Portland to go shopping. 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.
Galveston is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Galveston is a very family-friendly destination. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. 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.
Galveston is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.
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.
Portland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.
Many backpackers 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.
Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.
Portland is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.
It's common for students to visit Portland. 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.
Galveston is not popular with students.
Portland is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.
While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.
Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.
Portland is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.
Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.
Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.
For even more information, also check out Is Galveston Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galveston and Portland. In our opinion, Galveston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Galveston than Portland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Galveston, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.
Families should spend more time in Galveston than Portland. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Galveston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Galveston than Portland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Galveston that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Galveston 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.
The town of Galveston 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.
You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Galveston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galveston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find shopping and nightlife around the scenic destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Galveston 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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the quirky city of Portland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Galveston 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 town offers something for everyone.
Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $183, while the average daily cost in Portland is $180. 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 Galveston and Portland in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Galveston 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.
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Portland and Galveston 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.
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:
When comparing the travel costs between Galveston and Portland, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.
Portland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Portland. Many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Galveston is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 84°F (29°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In July, Galveston usually receives more rain than Portland. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Galveston is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
Galveston usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Portland and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Portland can be very cold. In the winter, Galveston is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galveston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Galveston usually receives less rain than Portland. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Portland and Galveston during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.
In April, Galveston is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Galveston usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Portland. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Galveston | Portland | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
Apr | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
May | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
Aug | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
Sep | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 mm) |