A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. North Conway for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portland, Maine or North Conway?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or North Conway? 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 North Conway?

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.

North Conway

North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.

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 North Conway, we can see that North Conway is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland, Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland, Maine 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 North Conway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in North Conway than you might in Portland, Maine.

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 North Conway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or North Conway?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and North Conway, 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 North Conway?

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 North Conway in the Summer?

Both North Conway and Portland, Maine during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland, Maine is generally around the same temperature as North Conway. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 69°F (20°C), and North Conway fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In North Conway, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as North Conway. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while North Conway receives 282 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as North Conway. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or North Conway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and North Conway. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as North Conway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and North Conway fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as North Conway during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while North Conway receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of rain as North Conway. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or North Conway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as North Conway. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

North Conway can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. In the winter, Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as North Conway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland, Maine in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and North Conway averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

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

Portland, Maine usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as North Conway. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or North Conway in the Spring?

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

In April, Portland, Maine is generally around the same temperature as North Conway. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 43°F (6°C), and North Conway fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

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

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of rain as North Conway. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for North Conway and Portland, Maine