A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Portland for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mazatlan or Portland?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Portland? 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a historical, cultural, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland travel costs.

Mazatlan and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Portland. While Portland is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Portland?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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 Mazatlan or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Portland.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland has a few options to choose from. 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 Mazatlan or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Is Mazatlan or Portland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Portland Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Portland?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portland and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Mazatlan or Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Portland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Portland.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Portland offers lots of family activities. 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 Mazatlan or Portland Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Portland make for a nice place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

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 Mazatlan or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Portland are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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 Mazatlan or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Portland is popular with 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.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Portland.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Mazatlan or Portland a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Portland both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively 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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Portland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Portland?

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Mazatlan or Portland?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Portland?

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

Portland 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 Mazatlan or Portland?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Mazatlan and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Portland. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Portland in the Autumn?

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

Mazatlan is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Portland. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Portland in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Portland. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Portland in the Spring?

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

In April, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Portland. Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan