A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Portland for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz or Portland?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Portland can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See La Paz travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and hiking. See Portland travel costs.

La Paz and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than Portland. While Portland is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is La Paz different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Portland?

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz 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 La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both La Paz and Portland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, La Paz is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

La Paz is not a live music destination.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

La Paz is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Beaches?

La Paz is very popular for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

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.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Portland?

La Paz is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. 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 La Paz or Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Families?

La Paz is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

La Paz is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Portland Better for Couples?

Both La Paz and Portland are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. 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 La Paz or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Paz and Portland are great destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option 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.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a city with good options for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Portland is a good city to visit for students. 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.

La Paz is not popular with students.

Is La Paz or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both La Paz and Portland offer nice public transit options.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Portland a more walkable city?

La Paz and Portland both are great when exploring on foot.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Paz and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Paz than in Portland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Portland 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Portland?

The city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Portland?

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 La Paz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Portland?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Portland?

La Paz is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the eclectic destination of Portland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz or Portland?

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 La Paz or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the summer, La Paz often gets less sunshine than Portland. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Portland. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Portland. The shopping scene are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

La Paz is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Portland. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Portland. Many travelers come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Portland. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Portland. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Paz in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Portland. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and La Paz