A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Portland, Maine for Families, Beaches, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Portland, Maine offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine are great choices for a beach vacation.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Portland, Maine is a great destination for shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Portland, Maine that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Hilton Head Island 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, Maine.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

The resort-filled destination of Hilton Head Island offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Portland, Maine is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the laid-back coastal town of Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland, Maine has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

The beautiful coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Hilton Head Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the summer, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Portland, Maine. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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 the autumn, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Portland, Maine. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, 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. In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Hilton Head Island