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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Detroit? 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 scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Detroit travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Detroit: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit than Portland, Maine, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Detroit is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Portland, Maine different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Portland, Maine and Detroit can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Portland, Maine area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Portland, Maine or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

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

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

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

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a very popular place for the beach. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Detroit Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Detroit?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Detroit and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Portland, Maine or Detroit More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland, Maine or Detroit Better for Families?

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

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.

Detroit offers lots of family activities. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Portland, Maine or Detroit Better for Couples?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Portland, Maine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit a more walkable city?

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Portland, Maine or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portland, Maine and Detroit. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

One day in Portland, Maine or Detroit?

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.

The hardworking destination of Detroit offers live music and food. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Detroit?

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.

The city of Detroit offers food and shopping. 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.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Detroit?

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.

Detroit 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.

A week in Portland, Maine or Detroit?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Detroit. 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 Detroit, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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 Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Detroit?

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

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 Portland, Maine or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland, Maine is generally cooler than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 69°F (20°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in July than Detroit. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Detroit and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Portland, Maine is cooler than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Detroit. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Detroit and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Portland, Maine is much colder than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland, Maine in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Detroit. The spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In April, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 43°F (6°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during spring. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Portland, Maine