Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Saint John's?
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's or Portland, Maine?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine? 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: Saint John's or Portland, Maine?
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
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's Prices
Antigua and Barbuda PricesPortland, Maine Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $272Portland, Maine $227
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $272, 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's and Portland, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Portland, Maine $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Portland, Maine
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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's $17Portland, Maine $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- 3-Hours Eye-Opening Stingray City Antigua - Transfer R/T included: $133
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $109
- Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $93
- Antigua to Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) - Departure Transfer: $64
- Antigua&Barbuda Airport (ANU) to Antigua&Barbuda Private Transfer: $46
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
- Crystal Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour (with transfer): $99
- JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
- Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
- Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
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's or Portland, Maine?
Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Saint John's 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's $117Portland, Maine $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
- Nicole's Table - Cooking with Rum: $165
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's $103Portland, Maine $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Half Day Historical Tour in Antigua with Beach: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
- SoCoHo Eco Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $85
- Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
- Biggvee Bus Adventure: $90
- Clear Kayak Tour in Mangrove Antigua: $90
- Trek Tours Hiking Experience in Antigua: $90
- Circumnavigate Tour: $95
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's $18Portland, 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and Portland, Maine, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Portland, Maine is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 John's or Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Summer?
Both Portland, Maine and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.
In the summer, Saint John's is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John's in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 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's 27°C (81°F)Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?
Both Portland, Maine and Saint John's during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (80°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 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's 27°C (80°F)Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. Saint John's is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 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's 24°C (76°F)Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Portland, Maine in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Portland, Maine. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Saint John's is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John's in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 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 John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Portland, Maine. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 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's 26°C (78°F)Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Portland, Maine | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.