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

Should you visit Memphis or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis 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.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, museums, and nightlife. See Memphis travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Memphis and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Portland, Maine. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Memphis or Portland, Maine?

Memphis is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Memphis 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 Memphis is an experience not to be missed. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Memphis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Memphis and Portland, Maine are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Memphis and Portland, Maine are both nice to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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 Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Memphis or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

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

Memphis is popular with students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Memphis is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Memphis or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Portland, Maine. In our opinion, Memphis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Memphis than Portland, Maine. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Memphis or Portland, Maine?

The soulful destination of Memphis offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Portland, Maine?

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland, Maine has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Portland, Maine?

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Memphis and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Portland, Maine?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Memphis is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, 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 Memphis this time of the year. In the summer, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene 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.

In the autumn, Memphis is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Memphis usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Memphis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Portland, Maine. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Memphis is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, 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 Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Memphis usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 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 Memphis