Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Portland, Maine?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portland, Maine or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortland, Maine $192Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Portland, Maine is $192, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortland, Maine $115Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortland, Maine $230Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portland, Maine $34Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Portland, Maine or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $48Ottawa $17
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portland, Maine $39Ottawa $40
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 Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortland, Maine $24Ottawa $18
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 Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Ottawa, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Ottawa. The summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortland, Maine 69°F (20°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.
In the autumn, Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portland, Maine in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortland, Maine 49°F (9°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. In January, Portland, Maine is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 21°F (-6°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortland, Maine 43°F (6°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Portland, Maine
| Portland, Maine | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
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.