A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cherokee vs. Portland for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cherokee or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cherokee travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking. See Portland travel costs.

Cherokee and Portland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cherokee or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland. Although Cherokee and Portland are both popular with visitors, Portland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portland is more popular for its nightlife, music, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cherokee is known for its museums and attractions and food. Portland is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular 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 home to Washington Park. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cherokee or Portland?

Cherokee
Portland

Cherokee is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.


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

Cherokee
Portland

Cherokee is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. 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 Cherokee or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Portland

Portland is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Portland Better for Music?

Cherokee
Portland

Portland is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a live music destination.


Is Cherokee or Portland Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Portland

Cherokee and Portland are both places where visitors can find high quality hiking trails.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Portland?

Cherokee
Portland

Both Cherokee and Portland are good shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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.

Is Cherokee or Portland More Beautiful?

Cherokee
Portland

Portland is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cherokee or Portland Better for Families?

Cherokee
Portland

Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly destination. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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 Cherokee or Portland Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Portland

Cherokee is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Cherokee or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Portland

Portland is notable for backpackers. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Cherokee is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.


Is Cherokee or Portland Better for Students?

Cherokee
Portland

Portland is a nice place to visit for students. However, Cherokee is not popular with students.

Portland is a good 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.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

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

Cherokee
Portland

Portland is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Cherokee or Portland a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Portland

Portland is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.


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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cherokee and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cherokee than in Portland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Cherokee 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.


  • How many days in Cherokee or Portland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Portland 2-3

One day in Cherokee or Portland?

The town of Cherokee offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Cherokee or Portland?

Cherokee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cherokee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Portland?

Cherokee is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Cherokee or Portland?

Cherokee is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland or Cherokee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Portland Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Portland $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, while the average daily cost in Portland is $211. 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 Cherokee and Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Portland $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee or Portland? 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 Cherokee


Hotels in Portland


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Portland $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Portland Airport PDX: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Portland Airport (PDX): $40
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Beaverton hotel to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    Portland $74

Typical Food Prices in Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

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

  • Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57
  • Walking Pizza Tour: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Westside Food Tour Like a Local: $90
  • Downtown Food Tour of 6 Local Favorites Dishes: $100
  • Portland Downtown Food Tour: 6 Tastings of Local & Global Flavors: $109
  • Alphabet District Food Tour: $119
  • 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127
  • Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise: $127
  • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Portland $25

Tours and Activities in Portland

For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Portland's Outdoor Sculptures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Portland (Downtown) Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $7.69
  • Portland Oregon Ghost Tour Paranormal Portland Ghost Tour: $15
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Mount Hood Loop Scenic Drive Self Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Hopscotch Portland Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • Portland Ghost Tour : Phantoms, Penance, and Poltergeists: $24
  • Portland Art Museum Entry Ticket: $25
  • Portland Party Bike Tours: The Classic Crawl - Public: $25
  • Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour: $29
  • Portland, Oregon: Soul of the City Walking Tour: $29
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Portland $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • Power Through Portland Bar Crawl: $12
  • Private or Shared Party Bike Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Oregon Priority Wine Tasting Pass: $40
  • Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $48
  • Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
  • Fun Pasta Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland: $75
  • Fun Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland: $75
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99
  • Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Urban Wine Tasting Tour: $139


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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Portland?

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 Cherokee or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Cherokee during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the summer, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Portland. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Portland. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Cherokee is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Cherokee can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Portland. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Cherokee is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Portland. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Cherokee

Cherokee Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)