A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oslo vs. Portland for Families, Attractions, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Oslo or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Portland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Oslo and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oslo. Although Oslo and Portland are roughly the same size, Oslo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oslo is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Portland is known for its music, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also home to The Royal Palace. 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 Oslo different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo 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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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 Oslo or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oslo is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oslo. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

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 Oslo or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Oslo and Portland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. 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 Oslo or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Oslo or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Portland?

Portland is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Portland is a great destination for shopping. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Oslo or Portland Better for Families?

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

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo or Portland Better for Couples?

Oslo and Portland are both good to visit as a couple.

Oslo is a nice destination for couples. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

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 Oslo or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Oslo or Portland Better for Students?

Oslo is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Portland is popular with students. 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 Oslo or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oslo is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Oslo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Oslo or Portland a more walkable city?

Oslo and Portland both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

Portland is a very walkable 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 Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oslo and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than in Portland. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Oslo or Portland?

Oslo 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 Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oslo or Portland?

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find live music and shopping around the nature-filled destination of Portland. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Portland?

Oslo 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.

The nature-filled city of Portland offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo is in Europe and Portland is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland than you might in Oslo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oslo Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Portland?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Oslo during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oslo is cooler than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Oslo. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Portland. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Portland in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Oslo is much colder than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Portland during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oslo usually receives more rain than Portland. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Portland. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Oslo is much colder than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Portland. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Oslo