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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Park City Utah?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Park City Utah? 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 seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, Park City Utah attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Park City Utah travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Park City Utah?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Portland, Maine and Park City Utah are popular destinations, Park City Utah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Park City Utah is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its beaches. Park City Utah is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Deer Valley Resort. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland, Maine or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Park City Utah should be on your list. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Park City Utah?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah is an experience not to be missed. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

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 Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Park City Utah has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

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 Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Park City Utah is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Park City Utah Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Portland, Maine is great for the beach. However, Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Portland, Maine for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

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 Park City Utah?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

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 Park City Utah More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Portland, Maine and Park City Utah.

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.

Park City Utah is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and is a charming and beautiful mountain town.

Is Portland, Maine or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Park City Utah is a very family-friendly destination. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. 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 Portland, Maine or Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Park City Utah makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable 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 Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

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

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is well known for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Park City Utah can get you to most places easily. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

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 Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Park City Utah on foot is easy. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

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 Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Park City Utah?

In either Portland, Maine or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah.


  • How many days in Portland, Maine or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Portland, Maine 2-3 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Portland, Maine or Park City Utah?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The active destination of Park City Utah offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Park City Utah?

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

The town of Park City Utah offers nightlife and food. 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 Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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 Park City Utah?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal town of Portland, Maine. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Park City Utah. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Park City Utah or Portland, Maine?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Portland, Maine Prices
    USA Prices
    Park City Utah Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Portland, Maine $227
    Park City Utah $368

The average daily cost (per person) in Portland, Maine is $227, while the average daily cost in Park City Utah is $368. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Portland, Maine and Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portland, Maine $115
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portland, Maine $230
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine or Park City Utah? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Portland, Maine


Hotels in Park City Utah


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Portland, Maine Hotel Prices and Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portland, Maine $34
    Park City Utah $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $217
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Portland, Maine or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah and Portland, Maine change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Portland, Maine $84
    Park City Utah $113
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portland, Maine.

  • Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portland, Maine $39
    Park City Utah $68

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Scenic Powerboat Cruise Experience Portland's Waterfront: $143
  • 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $62
  • Afternoon Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $67
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $85
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $56
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75
  • Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise: $56
  • Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
  • Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses: $99

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $118
  • Ebike Adventure with Sitemap : $125
  • Park City Food and Cultural Walking Tour: $150
  • Guided Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • Gourmet Dining Experience: $215
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portland, Maine $24
    Park City Utah $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Park City Utah, we can see that Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Park City Utah?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Park City Utah, 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.