A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Newport vs. Portland for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Newport or Portland?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Newport travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping. See Portland travel costs.

Newport and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Portland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Portland is more popular for its music and hiking. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street. Portland is well known 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 Newport different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newport 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 Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport 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 Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newport and Portland.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Newport or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its music scene. However, Newport is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Newport is not a live music destination.

Is Newport or Portland Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Newport attract visitors from all over. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Newport or Portland Better for its Old Town?

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

Newport is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Newport or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newport is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Portland?

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport or Portland More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Newport and Portland.

Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

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

Is Newport or Portland Better for Families?

Newport 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.

Newport is a very family-friendly destination. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport or Portland Better for Couples?

Newport is very popular for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Newport is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Newport or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options 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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

Is Newport or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. 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.

Newport is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Newport and Portland.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Newport or Portland a more walkable city?

Newport and Portland are superb when it comes to walkability.

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Portland is very walkable. 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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Newport?

How long in Newport or Portland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Newport or Portland?

The town of Newport offers food and shopping. 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.

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Newport or Portland?

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

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Portland?

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

Portland is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Newport or Portland?

Newport 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 town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When comparing the travel costs between Newport and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Newport Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newport or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Newport 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 Newport or Portland?

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 Newport or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newport is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newport in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. Newport usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Newport gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newport usually receives more rain than Portland. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newport or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Newport during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Newport is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. In the autumn, Newport often gets more sunshine than Portland. Newport gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Portland. Most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Newport can be very cold during winter. Newport is much colder than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Newport usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Newport gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Newport usually receives less rain than Portland. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newport or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newport as well as Portland. The spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the spring, Newport is cooler than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newport in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In the spring, Newport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Newport gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Newport