Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Portland, Maine?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portland, Maine or Fairfield?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Fairfield? 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.
Where Should I go: Portland, Maine or Fairfield?
Portland, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortland, Maine $192Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Portland, Maine is $192, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Portland, Maine and Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortland, Maine $115Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortland, Maine $230Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine or Fairfield? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Portland, Maine Hotel Prices and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portland, Maine $34Fairfield -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
- Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Portland, Maine or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield and Portland, Maine change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPortland, Maine $48Fairfield $30
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:
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Breakfast for 2$17
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Dinner for 2$30
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portland, Maine $39Fairfield $13
Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine
Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Black History Walking Tour: $49
- 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour: $49
- A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
- Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $79
- Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
- Casco Bay Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $75
- Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour: $250
- Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $48
- Donut Tasting Walking Tour in Portland’s Old Port: $48
- Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour: $70
- Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortland, Maine $24Fairfield -
Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:
- Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
- Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Fairfield, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Fairfield.
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 Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Fairfield?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Fairfield, 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 Fairfield?
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 Fairfield in the Summer?
Both Fairfield and Portland, Maine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Portland, Maine is cooler than Fairfield. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland, Maine in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Fairfield averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In Fairfield, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 439 hours of full sun.
Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortland, Maine 69°F (20°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Fairfield in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Fairfield. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 49°F (9°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. Portland, Maine usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortland, Maine 49°F (9°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Fairfield in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Fairfield. The winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. Portland, Maine is much colder than Fairfield in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
In the winter, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Fairfield. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun.
Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in January than Fairfield. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Fairfield in the Spring?
Both Fairfield and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.
In the spring, Portland, Maine is much colder than Fairfield. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland, Maine in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Fairfield averages at about 56°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. Portland, Maine usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during spring. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortland, Maine 43°F (6°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Portland, Maine
| Portland, Maine | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.