A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Washington or Portland, Maine?

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 Washington and Portland, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Washington and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular at Christmas
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


How is Washington different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Washington or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington
Portland, Maine

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Washington a bit more than Portland, Maine.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. You can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here, so it's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Portland, Maine. The town is famous for its seafood, lobster rolls (and whole lobsters!), and Haddock.


Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Washington
Portland, Maine

You'll find hiking in both Washington and Portland, Maine.

Washington has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington
Portland, Maine

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Portland, Maine both offer plenty of spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping.

Portland, Maine offers some nice shopping areas. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Washington
Portland, Maine

Most people pick Washington to visit during Christmas than Portland, Maine.

With so many activities, Washington is a top place to visit during Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

The Christmas holiday can be fun in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Washington
Portland, Maine

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Portland, Maine.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world.

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities.


Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Washington
Portland, Maine

Both Washington and Portland, Maine are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Washington is a nice destination for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer.

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

Washington
Portland, Maine

Washington has better public transit to get you around.

With a huge network, the transit system in Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Washington
Portland, Maine

Washington is generally more walkable than Portland, Maine.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Washington?

How long in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than Portland, Maine.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Washington is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Portland, Maine is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Washington or Portland, Maine? Ideal Length of Stay
    Washington 3-7 
    Portland, Maine 2-3

One day in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and food around the picturesque coastal town of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and shopping around the destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $194, 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 Washington and Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $113
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $226
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Washington and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $47
    Portland, Maine $34
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • DCA Private 1-Way Transfer from D.C. City Center Hotels: $97
  • DCA to D.C. City Center Hotels: 1-Way Private Transfer: $102
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Business Car: $118
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $151
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $159
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Washington 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
    Washington $38
    Portland, Maine $48
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122
  • Washington DC Dinner Cruise On The Odyssey: $146

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.
    Washington $24
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour: $5.00
  • The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial: $18
  • Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC: $19
  • Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $21
  • DC Ghost Tour: $24
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour: $129
  • Portland: Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $19
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920


When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Portland, Maine, we can see that Washington 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.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Portland, Maine?

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 Washington or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Washington is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Portland, Maine stays around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the summer, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Washington or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Washington is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The temperature in Washington is usually 60°F (15°C) in October, and Portland, Maine stays around 49°F (9°C).

Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Washington usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Washington or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January are around 35°F (1°C), and Portland, Maine is about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than Portland, Maine. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Washington or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Portland, Maine stays around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Washington

Washington Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)


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Washington vs. Portland, Maine Travel Comparison

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