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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Portland, Maine, 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.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Philadelphia and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Portland, Maine, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell. Portland, Maine is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Philadelphia different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Philadelphia is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for its music scene. However, Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. 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.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its Christmas holiday experiences.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

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

Is Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Portland, Maine does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Portland, Maine does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Philadelphia is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and Portland, Maine are both good to visit as a couple.

Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Portland, Maine is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Philadelphia is well known for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Philadelphia is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Philadelphia can get you to most places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

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

How long in Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

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

One day in Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 seaside 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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Philadelphia. 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Portland, Maine?

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

Both Portland, Maine and Philadelphia during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Philadelphia gets 273 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 Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Portland, Maine. The winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Philadelphia is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Philadelphia is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 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 Philadelphia