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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Aspen? 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking. See Aspen travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Aspen: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Portland, Maine and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its beaches. Aspen is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

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

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

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

Aspen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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 Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is well known for its music scene. However, Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Resorts?

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

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

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.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Aspen?

Aspen is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Aspen More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Portland, Maine and Aspen.

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.

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Is Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Portland, Maine or Aspen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. 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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Portland, Maine or Aspen Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Aspen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

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 Portland, Maine or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. 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 Portland, Maine Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Portland, Maine or Aspen?

In either Portland, Maine or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Portland, Maine because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

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

One day in Portland, Maine or Aspen?

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Aspen?

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This ski town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Portland, Maine or Aspen?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Aspen?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Aspen, 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.