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

Should you visit Orlando or Portland, Maine?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Orlando or Portland, Maine? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Orlando and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Orlando than Portland, Maine. Orlando is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Orlando different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando is an experience not to be missed. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Portland, Maine.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Portland, Maine?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its Christmas holiday experiences.

During Christmas, Orlando is not to be missed. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Is Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city 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, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Portland, Maine make for a notable place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Portland, Maine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

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

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

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

How long in Orlando or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orlando 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 Orlando.

One day in Orlando or Portland, Maine?

The entertaining destination of Orlando offers nightlife and food. 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.

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 Orlando or Portland, Maine?

The city of Orlando offers food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

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 Orlando or Portland, Maine?

Orlando is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Portland, Maine?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Portland, Maine. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In July, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Orlando is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Orlando during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Portland, Maine. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Orlando