A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Houston vs. Portland, Maine for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Houston or Portland, Maine?

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 Houston and Portland, Maine. 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.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Houston and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Portland, Maine, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Houston and is known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Houston different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Houston or Portland, Maine?

Houston is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Houston or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Houston and Portland, Maine both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Houston is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Portland, Maine for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Portland, Maine?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portland, Maine and Houston.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with a few options for its Christmas activities. However, Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

The Christmas holiday can be fun in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Houston is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Houston and Portland, Maine both good destinations for a couple.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Portland, Maine is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Houston or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Houston is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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

Is Houston or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Houston and Portland, Maine both are decent when exploring on foot.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Houston Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Houston?

How long in Houston or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Houston and Portland, Maine. In our opinion, Houston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Houston than Portland, Maine. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Houston 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 Houston or Portland, Maine?

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Houston or Portland, Maine?

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland, Maine has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Portland, Maine?

Houston is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Houston. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and Portland, Maine, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Houston or Portland, Maine?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston or Portland, Maine?

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.

Should I visit Houston or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Houston is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Houston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Houston is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Houston is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Houston as well as Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Houston usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Houston