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

Should you visit Monterey or Portland?

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 Monterey and Portland. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Monterey and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Portland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Portland is well known 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 Monterey different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its music scene. However, Monterey is not a live music destination.

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.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is Monterey or Portland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Portland Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Portland?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Portland Better for Families?

Monterey is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby 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.

Is Monterey or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Monterey or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Monterey or Portland a more walkable city?

Monterey and Portland are very good when it comes to walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

Portland is very walkable. 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 Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Monterey and Portland. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Monterey than Portland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

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

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Monterey or Portland?

Monterey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Portland?

Monterey 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 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.

A week in Monterey or Portland?

Monterey 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 city offers something for everyone.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey or Portland?

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 Monterey or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Monterey is cooler than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Monterey in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Portland. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Monterey during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In October, Monterey is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 62°F (17°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Portland. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. Monterey is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than Portland. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Monterey or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Monterey is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Monterey in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Monterey