A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Barbara vs. Portland for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Portland?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Portland? 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a laid-back, progressive, and quirky city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and hiking. See Portland travel costs.

Santa Barbara and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Barbara or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Portland. While Portland is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland is more popular for its music and small town charm. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Santa Barbara different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Barbara or Portland?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Is the Food Better in Santa Barbara or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Both Santa Barbara and Portland are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its music scene. However, Santa Barbara is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Santa Barbara is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Barbara or Portland?

Santa Barbara is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is very popular for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Santa Barbara and Portland offer notable public transit options.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Santa Barbara or Portland a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara and Portland both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

For even more information, also check out Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Santa Barbara?

How long in Santa Barbara or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Barbara and Portland. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santa Barbara than Portland. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Portland 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Santa Barbara or Portland?

The beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the progressive destination of Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Santa Barbara or Portland?

Santa Barbara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Barbara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Santa Barbara or Portland?

Santa Barbara is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the nature-filled destination of Portland. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Santa Barbara or Portland?

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Santa Barbara and Portland, we can see that Portland 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Portland, 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 Santa Barbara or Portland?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Santa Barbara during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Santa Barbara is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Barbara in July average around 65°F (19°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in July than Portland. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Portland. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santa Barbara is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 62°F (17°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Portland. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Portland. The winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. Santa Barbara is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Portland. Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Santa Barbara is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Barbara in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Portland. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Santa Barbara