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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Vernon? 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 Vernon?

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.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon 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 Vernon is $30. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portland, Maine $115
    Vernon $4.82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portland, Maine $230
    Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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 Vernon Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • 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
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165

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

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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
    Vernon $25
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
    Vernon -

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
  • Walking Tour Audio Guide: $8.49
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
  • Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Portland: Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
  • Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portland, Maine $24
    Vernon $13

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 Vernon, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Vernon?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Vernon. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portland, Maine is cooler than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Vernon. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portland, Maine is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portland, Maine in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

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

Both Vernon and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In January, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 21°F (-6°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Vernon. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

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

Both Vernon and Portland, Maine during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Portland, Maine is much colder than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)