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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Cleveland? 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portland, Maine and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Portland, Maine than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Portland, Maine, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is more popular for its museums and music. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Also, Portland, Maine is famous for The Portland Head Light. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Portland, Maine different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cleveland is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Portland, Maine or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Portland, Maine and Cleveland.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cleveland has a few options to choose from. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Portland, Maine or Cleveland Better for Music?

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

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cleveland and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Portland, Maine or Cleveland Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cleveland does not offer Christmas activities.

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

Cleveland does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Portland, Maine or Cleveland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Portland, Maine or Cleveland.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. 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.

Cleveland offers lots of family activities. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Portland, Maine or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

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 Portland, Maine or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine and Cleveland both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable coastal town. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

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

How long in Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Cleveland 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, Maine.

One day in Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Portland, Maine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The under-rated destination of Cleveland offers nightlife and live music. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Cleveland offers live music and shopping. 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.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cleveland is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

Portland, Maine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Cleveland, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Cleveland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cleveland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cleveland 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, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine than you might in Cleveland.

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

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Cleveland, 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 Portland, Maine or Cleveland?

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 Portland, Maine or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portland, Maine is cooler than Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland, Maine in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets less sunshine than Cleveland. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in July than Cleveland. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Cleveland and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In October, Portland, Maine is generally cooler than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 49°F (9°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Cleveland and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Portland, Maine is much colder than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Cleveland. The spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portland, Maine is much colder than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland, Maine in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during spring. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Portland, Maine