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

Should you visit Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Portland, Maine, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington 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 shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Wilmington and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Wilmington than Portland, Maine. Wilmington is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Wilmington is better known for its museums and attractions and historical sights, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Also, Wilmington is famous for the Battleship North Carolina. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Wilmington different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wilmington is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wilmington. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Wilmington and Portland, Maine offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Wilmington or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Wilmington and Portland, Maine.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Both Wilmington and Portland, Maine have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

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.

Is Wilmington or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Portland, Maine offers some nice shopping areas. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Wilmington or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wilmington or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Wilmington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Wilmington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Wilmington is popular with students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable city. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

The charming destination of Wilmington offers nightlife and food. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

The city of Wilmington offers food and shopping. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. 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.

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and Portland, Maine, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Portland, Maine?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the summer, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Wilmington is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Wilmington during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. In the winter, Wilmington is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Portland, Maine. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In April, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°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 Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Wilmington