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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Portland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Virginia Beach and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland than Virginia Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Portland is very popular for its museums, music, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Portland is more touristy than Virginia Beach 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. It is also well known for Washington Park. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Portland?

Portland is adequate for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Portland.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Portland may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Virginia Beach and Portland.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Portland?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Families?

Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly destination. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf 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 Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach and Portland are both nice to visit as a couple.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Portland is a good coastal 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.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many 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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Students?

For students, both Virginia Beach and Portland are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Portland is a good coastal city to visit for students. 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 Virginia Beach or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Portland is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Portland. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portland than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Portland?

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. 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, 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.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Portland?

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

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.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Portland?

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

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.

A week in Virginia Beach or Portland?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Portland. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Portland. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Portland. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Portland. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Virginia Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Portland. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Virginia Beach