Which place is cheaper, Tucson 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.
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Should you visit Portland, Maine or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Portland, Maine or Tucson? 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.
Where Should I go: Portland, Maine or Tucson?
Portland, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
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Portland, Maine Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortland, Maine $227Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Portland, Maine is $227, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortland, Maine $115Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortland, Maine $230Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine or Tucson? 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.
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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portland, Maine $34Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Portland, Maine or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayPortland, Maine $84Tucson $63
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:
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Breakfast for 2$17
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portland, Maine $39Tucson $16
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortland, Maine $24Tucson $16
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 Tucson, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.