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

Should you visit Columbus or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Portland, Maine

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

Columbus and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Portland, Maine than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Portland, Maine, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its museums and attractions. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Also, Portland, Maine is famous for The Portland Head Light. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Portland, Maine.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Columbus or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Columbus or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Portland, Maine?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Columbus and Portland, Maine.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Portland, Maine offers some nice shopping areas. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Columbus or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Columbus is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Columbus or Portland, Maine?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Columbus. 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.

One day in Columbus or Portland, Maine?

The friendly destination of Columbus 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 Columbus or Portland, Maine?

The city of Columbus 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 Columbus or Portland, Maine?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Columbus. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbus and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Portland, Maine?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus 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 July, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Portland, Maine. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Portland, Maine. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus 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.

Columbus is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Columbus 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 Columbus. In the winter, Columbus is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Portland, Maine. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Columbus is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. Columbus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 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 Columbus