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

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine? 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.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Chapel Hill and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chapel Hill is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Chapel Hill and Portland, Maine offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chapel Hill area. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Chapel Hill is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is well known for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portland, Maine and Chapel Hill.

Many visitors go to Chapel Hill to go shopping. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chapel Hill. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chapel Hill and Portland, Maine make for a nice place to visit.

Chapel Hill is a good town for couples to visit. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chapel Hill, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable town. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chapel Hill and Portland, Maine. In our opinion, Chapel Hill has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chapel Hill than Portland, Maine. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.

One day in Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

The southern destination of Chapel Hill offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the seaside coastal town of Portland, Maine. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

The town of Chapel Hill offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

Chapel Hill is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The picturesque coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chapel Hill. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Portland, Maine. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine?

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 Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Chapel Hill is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chapel Hill. In July, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Chapel Hill during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chapel Hill is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chapel Hill in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the autumn, Chapel Hill often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Chapel Hill. In January, Chapel Hill is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 40°F (5°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during winter. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Portland, Maine. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Chapel Hill is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In the spring, Chapel Hill often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Chapel Hill