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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Jacksonville and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Portland, Maine. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Jacksonville is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. 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 Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Jacksonville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Portland, Maine both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. 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 Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Portland, Maine?

Jacksonville is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Portland, Maine are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. 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 Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Portland, Maine both nice destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Jacksonville or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

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

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Jacksonville or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Portland, Maine 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Portland, Maine?

The under-rated destination of Jacksonville offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this picturesque coastal town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Portland, Maine?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Portland, Maine?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the picturesque destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Portland, Maine is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Portland, Maine, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Portland, Maine?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Jacksonville gets 286 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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Portland, Maine. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and 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.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Jacksonville