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

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Portland?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a natural, wild, and pristine national park. Everglades National Park is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Portland travel costs.

Everglades National Park and Portland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland than Everglades National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Everglades National Park is well known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park.

How is Everglades National Park different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Portland?

Everglades National Park
Portland

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Portland and Everglades National Park.

While most people don't head to Everglades National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

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 Everglades National Park or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Portland

Dining out at restaurants in both Everglades National Park and Portland can be an enjoyable experience.

Everglades National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Portland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Everglades National Park or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Portland

Portland is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Portland Better for Music?

Everglades National Park
Portland

Portland is very good for its music scene. However, Everglades National Park is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Everglades National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Portland Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Portland

You'll find superb hiking in both Everglades National Park and Portland.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Everglades National Park or Portland?

Everglades National Park
Portland

Portland is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Portland More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Portland

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Everglades National Park and Portland.

Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

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.


Is Everglades National Park or Portland Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Portland

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Portland.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Everglades National Park or Portland Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Portland

Both Everglades National Park and Portland are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Everglades National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. 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 Everglades National Park or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Portland

For backpackers, both Everglades National Park and Portland are superb places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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.


Is Everglades National Park or Portland Better for Students?

Everglades National Park
Portland

Portland is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Everglades National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Portland. 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.

Everglades National Park is not popular with students.

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

Everglades National Park
Portland

Portland is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Everglades National Park or Portland a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Portland

Portland is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

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

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Portland. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland than Everglades National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park or Portland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Portland 2-3

One day in Everglades National Park or Portland?

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . 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.

With live music and shopping around the eclectic city of Portland, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Portland?

Everglades National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Everglades National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With shopping and nightlife around the nature-filled destination of Portland, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Portland?

Everglades National Park 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the eclectic city of Portland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Everglades National Park or Portland?

Everglades National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

Portland is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland or Everglades National Park?

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

  • Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Portland Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Portland $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, 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 Everglades National Park and Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Portland $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park


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: Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Portland $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

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

  • Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $226
  • Private Transfer from Astoria Cruise Port to Portland city hotels: $226
  • Private Transfer from Portland City Hotels to Astoria Cruise Port: $226
  • 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
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland and Everglades National Park 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
    Everglades National Park $54
    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.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Portland $25

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Tours and Activities in Portland

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

  • 2-hour Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $104
  • 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $87
  • 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
  • 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
  • A Guided Walking Tour of Vibrant Downtown Portland: $44
  • Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $85
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Capture your Oregon Adventures in a Magical Place: $189
  • Coffee Roasters of Portland Eastside Walking Tour : $55
  • Coffee, Donuts & Chocolate Tour : $69
  • Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day: $129
  • Columbia River Gorge Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Everglades National Park and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Everglades National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Everglades National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Everglades National Park 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 would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland than you might in Everglades National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Portland?

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 Everglades National Park or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Portland. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Everglades National Park in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland during summer. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Portland. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 78°F (26°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the autumn, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Portland. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Everglades National Park is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Everglades National Park usually receives less rain than Portland. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Everglades National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the spring, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Everglades National Park in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the spring, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Portland. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)