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

Should you visit Columbia or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Columbia and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Portland, Maine than Columbia. While Columbia is larger than Portland, Maine, Portland, Maine has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Portland, Maine is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is known for its museums and attractions. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also home to The Portland Head Light. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbia is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia and Portland, Maine are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland, Maine. 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 Columbia or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a well-known place for the beach. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Portland, Maine?

Both Columbia and Portland, Maine are good shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Columbia or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly city. 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 Columbia or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Portland, Maine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Columbia is a popular place for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Columbia is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy 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 Columbia or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

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

How long in Columbia or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbia and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portland, Maine than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

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

One day in Columbia or Portland, Maine?

The welcoming destination of Columbia offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Columbia or Portland, Maine?

The city of Columbia offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, Maine, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Portland, Maine?

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

Portland, Maine 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 Columbia or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Columbia. 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.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine than you might in Columbia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbia Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Portland, Maine?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Portland, Maine. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia 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.

In the summer, Columbia is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Portland, Maine. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia 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 October, Columbia is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia 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. Columbia is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during winter. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Columbia during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Columbia is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 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 Columbia