A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland vs. Moncton for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portland or Moncton?

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 Moncton 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.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Portland travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a quaint, compact, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Moncton travel costs.

Portland and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Moncton?

You'll generally find more things to do in Portland than Moncton. Portland is bigger than Moncton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Portland is better known for its nightlife, music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Moncton is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Portland is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Portland different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moncton and Portland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland or Moncton?

Moncton is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Is the Food Better in Portland or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Moncton is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Moncton. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Portland is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its music scene. However, Moncton is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Moncton is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Portland is great for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Moncton?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Portland and Moncton.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Moncton offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Portland or Moncton More Beautiful?

Portland is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Families?

Both Portland and Moncton are notable to visit with kids.

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Moncton. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Couples?

Both Portland and Moncton are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Moncton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Moncton is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Moncton is not popular with students.

Is Portland or Moncton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Portland is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Moncton is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Portland or Moncton a more walkable city?

Portland is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

For even more information, also check out Is Portland Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Portland?

How long in Portland or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portland or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portland than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Moncton than Portland. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Moncton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Portland than Moncton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Portland that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Moncton if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Portland.

One day in Portland or Moncton?

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Moncton offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portland or Moncton?

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Moncton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moncton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portland or Moncton?

Portland is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Moncton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portland or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Moncton is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland and Moncton, we can see that Portland 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 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 Moncton.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portland Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland or Moncton?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 or Moncton?

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 Moncton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Moncton. The hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland is generally around the same temperature as Moncton. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 68°F (20°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Portland usually receives less rain than Moncton. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland as well as Moncton. Many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Moncton in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Portland is much warmer than Moncton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Portland usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Moncton can be very cold during winter. Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Portland is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Moncton averages at about -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. It's quite rainy in Portland. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Moncton. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Portland during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Moncton can be very cold. In April, Portland is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 51°F (11°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portland usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Portland