A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John's vs. Portland, Maine for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine? 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: Saint John's or Portland, Maine?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Saint John's?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $192. 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 Saint John's and Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Portland, Maine? 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 Saint Johns


Hotels in Portland, Maine


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Portland, Maine $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
  • Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $60
  • Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
  • Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $156
  • Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $78
  • Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
  • Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $78
  • Luxury Airport transfer from or to Antigua Airport : $85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Saint John's 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
    Saint John's $68
    Portland, Maine $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

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.
    Saint John's $103
    Portland, Maine $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
  • Stingray City Experience Antigua - ONLY TICKET: $73
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
  • TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80

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
    Saint John's $18
    Portland, Maine $24

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 comparing the travel costs between Saint John's and Portland, Maine, we can see that Saint John's 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. Even though Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Portland, Maine is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Portland, Maine, 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 Saint John's or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In the summer, Saint John's is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John's in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Saint John's during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (80°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. Saint John's is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Portland, Maine. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Saint John's is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John's in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Saint John's

Saint John's Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)