A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. The Hamptons for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portland, Maine or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or The Hamptons? 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. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Portland, Maine and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hamptons than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hamptons is better known for its resorts and shopping, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. Also, The Hamptons is famous for The Montauk Lighthouse.

How is Portland, Maine different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Portland, Maine and The Hamptons can be difficult as they are each notable 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 The Hamptons. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Portland, Maine or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Portland, Maine and The Hamptons.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Portland, Maine or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

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

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Is Portland, Maine or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Portland, Maine and The Hamptons both have notable trails.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Many people include a hike when visiting The Hamptons. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

The Hamptons is a world class destination for shoppers. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around 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 The Hamptons More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Is Portland, Maine or The Hamptons Better for Families?

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

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.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Portland, Maine or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit The Hamptons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 The Hamptons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Portland, Maine or The Hamptons offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Portland, Maine or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

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

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable beach destination. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have 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 The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or The Hamptons?

Both Portland, Maine and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than The Hamptons 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, Maine.

One day in Portland, Maine or The Hamptons?

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic coastal town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The lavish destination of The Hamptons offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping 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.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or The Hamptons?

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beach destination of The Hamptons offers shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 The Hamptons?

You'll find nightlife and food around the picturesque destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This beach destination 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 The Hamptons?

Portland, Maine is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The lavish beach destination of The Hamptons offers food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or The Hamptons?

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

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 Portland, Maine or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Portland, Maine is cooler than The Hamptons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland, Maine in July average around 69°F (20°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in The Hamptons. In July, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Portland, Maine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 49°F (9°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in October than The Hamptons. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and The Hamptons. The winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hamptons in the winter. The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. Portland, Maine is much colder than The Hamptons in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as The Hamptons. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portland, Maine is much colder than The Hamptons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland, Maine in April average around 43°F (6°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Portland, Maine