Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Saint John?
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 Saint John or Portland, Maine?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint John and Portland, Maine. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Saint John or Portland, Maine?
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Saint John Prices
USVI PricesPortland, Maine Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John $233Portland, Maine $227
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John is $233, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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 Saint John and Portland, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John $106Portland, Maine $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John $212Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Saint John and Portland, Maine
Looking for a hotel in Saint John or Portland, Maine? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John $49Portland, Maine $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John or Portland, Maine?
Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Saint John 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 daySaint John $97Portland, Maine $84
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.Saint John $23Portland, Maine $39
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine
Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
- Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
- Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $20
- 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
- Port City Lights Cruise: $39
- Portland: Sightseeing Cruise to Portland Head Light: $41
- Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine: $42
- Tour in Vintage Fire Engine: $43
- Portland: Land and Sea Tour Duck Tour with a Guide: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John $44Portland, Maine $24
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 comparing the travel costs between Saint John and Portland, Maine, we can see that Saint John is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Saint John is in Caribbean Islands and Portland, Maine is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint John or Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John or Portland, Maine in the Summer?
Both Portland, Maine and Saint John are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint John is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 29°C (83°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
In July, Saint John usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John 29°C (83°F)Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?
Both Portland, Maine and Saint John during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Saint John is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. Saint John usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John 28°C (82°F)Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Portland, Maine in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint John is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).
In January, Saint John usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John 26°C (78°F)Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Portland, Maine in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John as well as Portland, Maine. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Saint John is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 27°C (80°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
Saint John usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John 27°C (80°F)Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Saint John
| Saint John | Portland, Maine | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
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.