A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland, Maine vs. Moncton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Moncton? 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 Moncton?

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.

Moncton

Moncton is the largest city in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. Located in the Petitcodiac River Valley with access to the Bay of Fundy, and, by extension, the Atlantic Ocean, Moncton is also at the geographic center of Canada's Maritime Provinces. Today, the city's most famous attraction is Magnetic Hill, though there are also plenty of parks, museums, galleries, theatres, and other venues for entertainment.

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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton or Portland, Maine?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Portland, Maine is $192, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $107. 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 Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portland, Maine $115
    Moncton $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portland, Maine $230
    Moncton $58
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine or Moncton? 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.

Hotels in Portland, Maine


Hotels in Moncton


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 Moncton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portland, Maine $34
    Moncton -

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: $165
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Portland, Maine or Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Portland, Maine $48
    Moncton $56
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portland, Maine $39
    Moncton $79

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

Tours and Activities in Moncton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Moncton.

  • Moncton, NB: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $11
  • Moncton Self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portland, Maine $24
    Moncton $4.54

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Moncton, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton 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 Moncton.

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 Moncton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Moncton, 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 Moncton?

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 Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Portland, Maine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in July than Moncton. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C) 
    Moncton 19°C (66°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Moncton. The autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portland, Maine is a little warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portland, Maine in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Moncton. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C) 
    Moncton 8°C (46°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Moncton. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. In January, Portland, Maine is generally a little warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 21°F (-6°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C) 
    Moncton -8°C (17°F)

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

Both Moncton and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. Portland, Maine is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In April, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Moncton. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C) 
    Moncton 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Moncton and Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine Moncton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -8°C (17°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -8°C (18°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) -3°C (27°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 10°C (50°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 16°C (60°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 8°C (46°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 2°C (36°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) -5°C (23°F) 126 mm (5 in)