A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland vs. Park City Utah for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Portland or Park City Utah?

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 Park City Utah 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 progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a adventurous, active, and high energy town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Portland and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Portland or Park City Utah?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Park City Utah than Portland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Park City Utah is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Portland is more popular for its music and small town charm. Park City Utah is more touristy than Portland and is known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Park City Utah is famous for Deer Valley Resort. Portland is well 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.

How is Portland different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, Portland is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Park City Utah. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Portland is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland or Park City Utah?

Portland
Park City Utah

Spend time exploring the respectable sights and museums in either Portland or Park City Utah.

While most people don't head to Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Portland or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Park City Utah. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

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 Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is very popular for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Park City Utah is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.


Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Music?

Portland
Park City Utah

Portland is a good destination for its music scene. However, Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

In Park City Utah, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Portland
Park City Utah

Both Portland and Park City Utah are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Park City Utah. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.


Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Park City Utah?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Park City Utah is an extremely popular town to visit for families. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. 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.

Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is very popular for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Park City Utah is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.


Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland
Park City Utah

Portland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

Is Portland or Park City Utah Better for Students?

Portland
Park City Utah

Portland is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is not popular with students.

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

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Park City Utah can move around easily with public transportation. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.


Is Portland or Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Portland
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is very popular for its walkability. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Park City Utah. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Portland Worth Visiting? and Is Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Portland?

How long in Portland or Park City Utah?

In either Portland or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Park City Utah than Portland because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, and 3-5 days is enough time in Park City Utah.

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

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


  • How many days in Portland or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Portland 2-3 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Portland or Park City Utah?

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Park City Utah offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portland or Park City Utah?

Portland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Park City Utah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Portland or Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Park City Utah is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Park City Utah, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portland or Park City Utah?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Park City Utah or Portland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Portland is $180, while the average daily cost in Park City Utah is $320. 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 Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portland $97
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portland $194
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Portland and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Portland or Park City Utah? 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


Hotels in Park City Utah


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 Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portland $28
    Park City Utah $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
  • Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $88
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $33
  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Portland or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Portland $43
    Park City Utah $65
Typical Food Prices in Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • 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:

  • 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
  • Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $105
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portland $24
    Park City Utah $68

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: $85
  • 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 Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • 2 Hours Off Road Tour in Utah: $175
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260
  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $108
  • Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portland $17
    Park City Utah $46

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
  • Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting: $111
  • Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
  • Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
  • Bed and Breakfast Wine Tour - Small Group, Joinable/Sharable: $198
  • From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland and Park City Utah, we can see that Park City Utah is more expensive. And not only is Portland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland 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 Park City Utah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Park City Utah than you might in Portland.

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


Which is Bigger, Portland or Park City Utah?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Portland and Park City Utah, 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.