Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Portland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portland or Kamloops?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Kamloops can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Portland or Kamloops?
Portland
Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.
Kamloops
In British Columbia, Canada, Kamloops is perhaps most famous for the large number of tournaments it hosts, everything from the Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, to the World Fly Fishing Championships. It also hosts Skate Canada, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and the World Junior Hockey Championships among others. The city is in the south central part of the province and it sits near the confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River near Kamloops Lake. The city has a population of about 85,000 and it's the largest community in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortland $180Kamloops $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Portland is $180, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $81. 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 and Kamloops in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortland $97Kamloops $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortland $194Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Portland and Kamloops
Looking for a hotel in Portland or Kamloops? 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 Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portland $28Kamloops $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland
Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $87
- Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
- Portland Airport to The Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $186
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
Is it cheaper to fly into Portland or Kamloops?
Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Portland 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 $43Kamloops $24
Typical Food Prices in Portland
For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Afternoon Drinks (for 2)$9.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland
For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Portland Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- Walking Pizza Tour: $75
- Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $94
- Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
- Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
- Downtown Food Tour: $102
- The Vibrant Kerns Hood Food Tour: $105
- The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
- Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $110
- All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
- All-Inclusive Walking Food Tour: $119
Typical Food Prices in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Pastries$5.81
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Lunch for Two$25
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Coffee and Gelato$12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portland $24Kamloops $13
Tours and Activities in Portland
For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-hour Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $102
- 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $86
- 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
- 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
- Aerial adventure above Portland, Oregon: $189
- Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $75
- Afternoon Multnomah Falls and Gorge Waterfalls Tour: $75
- Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge: $289
- Air Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge from Portland: $159
- Airplane Flight Tour over Portland, Oregon: $99
- All Day Northern Oregon Wineries and Forest Bike Tour: $245
- Beautiful Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge : $99
Tours and Activities in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $14
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $6.33
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $6.31
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21
- Vancouver and Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortland $17Kamloops $6.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Portland
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:
- Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
- Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
- Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
- Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
- Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
- Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
- Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
- Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
- From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210
- Willamette Valley Wine Tour - Full Day Tour: $225
- Willamette Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $230
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland and Kamloops, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland than you might in Kamloops.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portland Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portland or Kamloops?
Portland has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Portland and Kamloops, 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 or Kamloops?
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 or Kamloops in the Summer?
Both Kamloops and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Portland is cooler than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In July, Portland usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortland 68°F (20°C)Kamloops 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portland or Kamloops in the Autumn?
Both Kamloops and Portland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.
In October, Portland is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 55°F (13°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Portland usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortland 55°F (13°C)Kamloops 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Portland or Kamloops in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Kamloops. Many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kamloops can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. Portland is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortland 40°F (4°C)Kamloops -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Portland or Kamloops in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Portland as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Portland is around the same temperature as Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Portland usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortland 51°F (11°C)Kamloops 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Kamloops and Portland
| Portland | Kamloops | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 mm) | -1°C (30°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.