Is Portland Expensive?

Is Portland expensive to visit?

Portland is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $180. If we compare it to the rest of North America, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in North America for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Tampa and Pittsburgh.



Portland, Oregon

How expensive is Portland?

Travelers spend an average of $180 per day when visiting Portland (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Portland here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Portland?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Portland costs around $539 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,078.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Portland?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Portland will cost around $1,258 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $2,515.

Is it expensive to backpack in Portland?

With more than 3 hostels around town, Portland is a fairly popular backpacker destination. Hostels usually cost an average of $41 per night. There's a wide range in prices here, as the cheapest beds cost around $36. The most expensive dorm beds will cost more than $49 at times, too. (See hostel prices in Portland here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Portland.

  • $36 for a dorm bed at Northwest Portland Hostel
  • $39 for a dorm bed at Lolo Pass

Are hotels expensive in Portland?

Examining hotel prices in Portland, we can see that they are very affordable when compared to hotels in other cities. The average cost for a night in a hotel room is approximately $136. The city is equipped with about 4 five-star hotels, boasting an average nightly rate of $227. For travelers aiming for a comfortable yet budget-conscious stay, three-star hotels come in at an average of $160 per night, while two-star hotels offer a more pocket-friendly choice at $106 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Portland
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 4 $227
4 stars 17 $175
3 stars 46 $160
2 stars 61 $106
1 star 3 $62

1021 NE Grand Avenue, Portland
Overall Rating 8.9
506 S.W. Washington at 5th Avenue, Portland
Overall Rating 8.9

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Portland?

In Portland, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $24 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $55.

    • Air Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge from Portland: $159
    • City of Portland Tour: Historic and iconic sights: $79
    • Aerial adventure above Portland, Oregon: $189
    • Small Group: Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt Hood Day Tour from Portland: $199
    • Guided Jetboat Tour for Six -Private: $225
    • Wonderful Waterfalls Tour: $89
    • Doughnuts and Coffee Bike Tour: Local Secrets: $49
    • Multnomah Falls & Downtown Portland Air Tour: $299

    Is food expensive in Portland?

    In Portland, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $43 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $58.

    • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
    • Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
    • Portland Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
    • Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
    • 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127
    • Portland: Walking Pizza Tour: $75

    Is transportation expensive in Portland?

    Local transportation in Portland can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $28 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $46. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    More for Portland

    If you're planning a trip to Portland, Oregon, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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