A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Portland, Maine. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Portland, Maine. Fort Lauderdale is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Fort Lauderdale is an experience not to be missed. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portland, Maine and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale and Portland, Maine both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Fort Lauderdale is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

The scenic destination of Fort Lauderdale offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The laid-back destination of Portland, Maine offers food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

The coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

The scenic coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers shopping and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), 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 Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), 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 Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale