A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

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 shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Saint Augustine different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Augustine is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Portland, Maine have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

The historic destination of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The seaside destination of Portland, Maine offers food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

The coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Augustine and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Portland, Maine, 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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine?

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 Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

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

In July, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

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

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

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

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Saint Augustine