A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

Both Portland, Maine and West Palm Beach have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is West Palm Beach different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

West Palm Beach is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area 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 West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

West Palm Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit West Palm Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable beach area. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both West Palm Beach and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than West Palm Beach 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 Portland, Maine.

One day in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

The diverse destination of West Palm Beach offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

The seaside destination of Portland, Maine offers food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

The coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach area 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 great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

The fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Portland, Maine, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Portland, Maine. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), 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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. 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, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), 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 West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and West Palm Beach