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

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, Washington 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. See Washington travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Washington and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Portland, Maine?

You'll generally find more things to do in Washington than Portland, Maine. Washington is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Washington is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Washington is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Washington on the map. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Theater?

Washington is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Washington is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Washington is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Washington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Music?

Washington is a popular place for its music scene. However, Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Washington is active and vibrant. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is great for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is very good for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its Christmas holiday experiences.

During Christmas, Washington is not to be missed. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Washington and Portland, Maine both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Washington is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Washington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Washington is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Washington or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Washington on foot is easy. 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 a very walkable city. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

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 in Portland, Maine. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Portland, Maine 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 Washington.

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 nightlife around the seaside 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 nightlife and food 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Portland, Maine?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 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. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates 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.

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 daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates 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.

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 average around 35°F (1°C), and Portland, Maine averages at 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.

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. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Washington