A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. Portland for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Phoenix or Portland?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Portland can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Phoenix and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Portland than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Portland, Portland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Portland is better known for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its museums and food. Portland is more touristy than Phoenix and is 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. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science 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 Phoenix or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix or Portland Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Phoenix and Portland.

If you're looking for night time activities Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Phoenix or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Phoenix is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Phoenix or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Portland?

If you're looking to go shopping, Phoenix and Portland both offer plenty of notable spots.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

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.

Is Phoenix or Portland Better for Families?

Both Phoenix and Portland are notable to visit with kids.

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Phoenix or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Phoenix and Portland are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Phoenix is a good city for couples to visit. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. 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 Phoenix or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Phoenix or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Phoenix or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Portland?

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

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

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

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

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

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Phoenix or Portland?

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

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Five days in Phoenix or Portland?

Phoenix 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 great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Phoenix or Portland?

Phoenix 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Portland?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Portland. The summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Portland during summer. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Phoenix usually receives more rain than Portland. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phoenix or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Portland. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the autumn, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Portland. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Phoenix is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Portland. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Phoenix or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Phoenix during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Phoenix is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the spring, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Portland. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Phoenix