A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Marathon or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Portland, Maine, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Marathon travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Marathon and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland, Maine is better known for its hiking and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Marathon is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Also, Portland, Maine is famous for The Portland Head Light.

How is Marathon different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Marathon and Portland, Maine offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Marathon or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Marathon and Portland, Maine.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland, Maine. 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 Marathon or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

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

Marathon is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

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

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

Marathon has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Both Marathon and Portland, Maine have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Marathon. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

The beaches at Portland, Maine attract visitors from all over. 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 Marathon or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Marathon and Portland, Maine both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

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 Marathon or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Marathon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Marathon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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

Neither Marathon or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Marathon or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Marathon and Portland, Maine are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. 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 Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Marathon 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, Maine.

One day in Marathon or Portland, Maine?

The relaxing destination of Marathon 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 Marathon or Portland, Maine?

The island of Marathon offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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.

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 Marathon or Portland, Maine?

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

The relaxing island of Marathon 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon or Portland, Maine?

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 Marathon or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Marathon is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Portland, Maine. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Marathon