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

Should you visit Tampa or Portland?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Tampa and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tampa than Portland. While Portland is larger than Tampa, Tampa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tampa is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Tampa 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. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. Also, Tampa is famous for Busch Gardens.

How is Tampa different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portland is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tampa 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 Tampa. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

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 Tampa or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its music scene. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a live music destination.

Is Tampa or Portland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Portland Better for Beaches?

Tampa is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tampa attract visitors from all over. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Portland?

Portland is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Portland Better for Families?

Tampa is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Tampa is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Portland Better for Couples?

Portland is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

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.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tampa and Portland. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland than Tampa. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portland than Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Portland?

The city of Tampa offers food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

In Portland, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this laid-back destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Portland?

Tampa 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tampa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Portland?

Tampa 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Portland?

Tampa is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the tree-lined destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa or Portland?

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 Tampa or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, 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.

In the summer, Tampa is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Portland. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Furthermore, 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 October, Tampa is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Portland. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Portland. The winter months attract visitors to Tampa because of the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Tampa is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Portland. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Portland. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tampa is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Portland. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Tampa