A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Portland for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a resort-filled, family-friendly, and relaxing coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping. See Portland travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, hiking, and small town charm, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. 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 Hilton Head Island different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Portland is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hilton Head Island attract visitors from all over. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hilton Head Island and Portland.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Portland is a great destination for shopping. 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 Hilton Head Island or Portland More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Hilton Head Island and Portland.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

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 Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an extremely popular coastal town to visit for families. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Portland are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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 Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Portland is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Portland. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portland than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the nature-filled destination of Portland. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quirky city of Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilton Head Island, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Portland. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Portland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and Portland, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Portland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Portland.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches 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, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Portland. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Hilton Head Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene 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, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Portland. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Portland. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene 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. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Portland. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Portland. The spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Portland. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Hilton Head Island