A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Portland, Maine for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Tulum travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Tulum and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Tulum different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tulum is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Tulum is an experience not to be missed. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. 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.

Is Tulum or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. 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 Tulum or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Tulum. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Tulum or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Tulum is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Portland, Maine?

Tulum is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Tulum or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Tulum and Portland, Maine both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Is Tulum or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Tulum is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tulum is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. 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 Tulum or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. 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.

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

Tulum is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Tulum, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Tulum is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Tulum or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Portland, Maine?

The archeological destination of Tulum offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Portland, Maine?

The town of Tulum offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Portland, Maine?

Tulum is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tulum. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Portland, Maine?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum 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 the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Tulum