A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Portland, Maine can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Tallahassee travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Tallahassee and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Portland, Maine than Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is larger than Portland, Maine, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

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

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

The vibe at night is nice in both Tallahassee and Portland, Maine.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland, Maine. 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 Tallahassee or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.


Is Tallahassee or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Portland, Maine both offer plenty of nice spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Portland, Maine is a great destination for shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Tallahassee or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Tallahassee or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Both Tallahassee and Portland, Maine are nice to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tallahassee or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Portland, Maine is a good coastal town for couples to visit. 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Tallahassee is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.


Is Tallahassee or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Tallahassee is well known for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Portland, Maine

Tallahassee and Portland, Maine are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. 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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portland, Maine than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Portland, Maine 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

The vibrant destination of Tallahassee offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

The city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The seaside coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Tallahassee. 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 nightlife and food when visiting Portland, Maine. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Tallahassee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tallahassee Prices
    USA Prices
    Portland, Maine Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tallahassee $190
    Portland, Maine $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $190, 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 Tallahassee and Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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.

Hotels in Tallahassee


Hotels in Portland, Maine


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Portland, Maine $34

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 Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Tallahassee 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tallahassee $82
    Portland, Maine $84

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Treacherous Tallahassee Ghost Tours: $24
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $108
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $215

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Tallahassee

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tallahassee:

  • Tallahassee Bar Crawl: $15

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 Tallahassee and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Tallahassee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallahassee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Portland, Maine?

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 Tallahassee or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Tallahassee this time of the year. In the summer, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Tallahassee during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. In January, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in January than Portland, Maine. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Portland, Maine. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Tallahassee is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, 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 Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)