A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Portland for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Portland?

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 Miami and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Miami travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland travel costs.

Miami and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Miami than Portland. While Portland is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Portland and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Portland 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.

How is Miami different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portland is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Miami or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

Miami is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Portland Better for Music?

Miami is very popular for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Miami or Portland Better for Resorts?

Miami is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Portland Better for Beaches?

Miami is very popular for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. 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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Portland?

Miami is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Miami. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Miami or Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Portland Better for Families?

Miami 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.

Miami is a very family-friendly destination. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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.

Is Miami or Portland Better for Couples?

Miami is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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 Miami or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Miami or Portland Better for Students?

Miami and Portland are good places to visit for students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Portland.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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.

Is Miami or Portland a more walkable city?

Miami and Portland both are superb when exploring on foot.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Miami?

How long in Miami or Portland?

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

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

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

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

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this tree-lined destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Portland?

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Portland?

Miami 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.

Portland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Portland?

Miami is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach city offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the eclectic destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Miami as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Miami is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the summer, Miami often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Miami. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Portland. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Miami during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for 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 January, Miami is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Portland. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Miami usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Portland. The spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Miami is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Portland. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Miami