A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Richmond vs. Portland for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Richmond or Portland?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Richmond and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Richmond and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Richmond or Portland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Portland than Richmond. Portland is bigger than Richmond, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Portland is better known for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Richmond is more popular for its museums and food. Portland is more touristy than Richmond and is popular 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. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Richmond different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Richmond is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Richmond. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Richmond 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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

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 Richmond or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Richmond and Portland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. 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 Richmond or Portland Better for Music?

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

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Richmond is not a live music destination.

Is Richmond or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Portland?

Both Richmond and Portland are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Richmond to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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.

Is Richmond or Portland Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Richmond or Portland.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

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.

Is Richmond or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Richmond and Portland are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Richmond is a good city for couples to visit. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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.

Is Richmond or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is notable for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Richmond or Portland Better for Students?

Richmond and Portland are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Plenty of students 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.

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

Portland is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Richmond or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Richmond and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portland than in Richmond. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Richmond, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Richmond 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 Richmond or Portland?

The city of Richmond 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. 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 Richmond or Portland?

Richmond 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 Richmond, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Portland?

Richmond 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.

Portland 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 Richmond or Portland?

Richmond 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.

Portland 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Richmond and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Richmond or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Richmond and Portland, 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 Richmond or Portland?

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 Richmond or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Richmond during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Richmond is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Richmond in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Richmond. In the summer, Richmond often gets less sunshine than Portland. Richmond gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Richmond or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Portland. Many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Richmond is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 59°F (15°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Richmond gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Richmond usually receives more rain than Portland. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Richmond or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Richmond can be very cold during winter. Richmond is much colder than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Richmond often gets more sunshine than Portland. Richmond gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Richmond usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Richmond or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the spring, Richmond is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Richmond in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Richmond gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Richmond usually receives more rain than Portland. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Richmond