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

Should you visit Savannah or Portland?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Portland? 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Savannah and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Savannah than Portland. While Portland is larger than Savannah, Savannah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Savannah is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Portland is known for its nightlife, music, hiking, and small town charm. Portland is more touristy than Savannah 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. Savannah is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also home to Forsyth Park.

How is Savannah different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Savannah 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 Savannah. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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 Savannah or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah 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 Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland is a popular place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for live music. However, Savannah is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Savannah is not a live music destination.

Is Savannah or Portland Better for Beaches?

Savannah is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Savannah. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Savannah is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Savannah or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah 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.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Portland?

Savannah 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 Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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 Savannah or Portland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Portland.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

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 Savannah or Portland Better for Couples?

Savannah is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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 Savannah or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Savannah or Portland Better for Students?

Savannah and Portland are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Savannah is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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

Portland is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good 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 Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Savannah or Portland a more walkable city?

Savannah and Portland both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place 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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Savannah and Portland. In our opinion, Savannah has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Savannah than Portland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

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

The city of Savannah offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Savannah or Portland?

Savannah 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, 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 Savannah or Portland?

Savannah 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 Savannah or Portland?

Savannah is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Savannah 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 Savannah Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Savannah during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Savannah in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Savannah is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the summer, Savannah often gets less sunshine than Portland. Savannah gets 267 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 Savannah. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Portland. Most visitors come to Savannah for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Savannah is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savannah in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Savannah or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Portland. The winter months attract visitors to Savannah because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. In January, Savannah is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 49°F (9°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Portland. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Savannah usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Savannah is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 66°F (19°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives more rain than Portland. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Savannah