A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Key West 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.

Key West

Key West is a eclectic, bustling, and active town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Key West 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.

Key West and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Portland, Maine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Portland, Maine are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland, Maine is known for its hiking and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also home to Duval Street. Portland, Maine is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Key West different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Key West 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 Key West is an experience not to be missed. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Key West is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Key West is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Portland, Maine are high quality choices.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

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 Key West or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Key West is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

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

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Key West and Portland, Maine are somewhat similar when it comes to the high quality scenery.

The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Is Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Key West is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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 Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Key West is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Key West frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Key West is well known for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Neither Key West or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

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 Key West or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Key West?

How long in Key West or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Portland, Maine?

The eclectic destination of Key West offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 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 Key West or Portland, Maine?

The quaint town of Key West offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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 Key West or Portland, Maine?

Key West is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town 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 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 Key West or Portland, Maine?

The bustling town of Key West offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

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 Key West and Portland, Maine, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland, Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland, Maine 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Portland, Maine.

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

Which is Bigger, Key West or Portland, Maine?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Portland, Maine. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In the summer, Key West is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°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 Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Portland, Maine. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Key West or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for 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. Key West is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Key West during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°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 Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Key West