Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or San Juan?
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 San Juan or Portland, Maine?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan 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: San Juan or Portland, Maine?
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
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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San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesPortland, Maine Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Portland, Maine $227
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, 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 San Juan and Portland, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Portland, Maine $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Portland, Maine
Looking for a hotel in San Juan 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: San Juan Hotel Prices and Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Portland, Maine $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Premium Transfer in Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise: $25
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port Roundtrip Servic: $109
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $115
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ceiba Ferry: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Portland, Maine?
Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and San Juan 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 daySan Juan $62Portland, Maine $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
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.San Juan $49Portland, Maine $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $23
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $32
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – VIP SmallGroup Tour: $45
- Ron del Barrilito Heritage Skip-the-Line Tour: $46
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 daySan Juan $12Portland, Maine $24
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99
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 San Juan and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Portland, Maine?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of San Juan 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 San Juan or Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit San Juan or Portland, Maine in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Portland, Maine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.
In July, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (83°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the summer, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?
Both Portland, Maine and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
San Juan is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. In October, San Juan usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Portland, Maine in the Winter?
Both Portland, Maine and San Juan during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. 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. In the winter, San Juan is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the winter, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit San Juan or Portland, Maine in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, San Juan is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 26°C (79°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Juan usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and San Juan
| San Juan | Portland, Maine | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.