Portland, Maine is a seaside coastal town known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Portland, Maine and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're relaxing on the beaches or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Portland, Maine?
You should plan to spend around $227 per day on your vacation in Portland, Maine. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $84 on meals
- $34 on local transportation
- $229 on hotels
A one week trip to Portland, Maine for two people costs, on average, $3,178. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,589
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,178
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One Month
Per person
$6,810
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One Week
For a couple
$3,178
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,356
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One Month
For a couple
$13,620
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Portland, Maine cost?
A one week trip to Portland, Maine usually costs around $1,589 for one person and $3,178 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Portland, Maine on average costs around $3,178 for one person and $6,356 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Portland, Maine will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Portland, Maine on average costs around $6,810 for one person and $13,620 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Portland, Maine expensive to visit?
Portland, Maine is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Portland, Maine can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $100 per day, mid-range travelers spend $227 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $447 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Portland, Maine.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Portland, Maine is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cape Cod or Anchorage.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Portland, Maine Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Portland, Maine?
The average Portland, Maine trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Portland, Maine travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Portland, Maine cost?
Portland, Maine on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$50
|
$115
|
$214
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$15
|
$34
|
$66
|
|
Food 2
|
$35
|
$84
|
$179
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$17
|
$39
|
$74
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-16
|
$12-36
|
$23-70
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Portland, Maine on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $100 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most tourists in Portland, Maine are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $227 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Portland, Maine is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is a solid choice for families, while Portland Harbor Hotel also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Portland, Maine here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $447 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the coastal town with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Transfer from Portland Jetport to Portland Port - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Portland, Maine
The cost of hotels in Portland, Maine can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $288, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $537. Overall, prices range from $146 to $929. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Portland, Maine for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $229. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $115 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Portland, Maine include:
- Portland Harbor Hotel starting at $242
- Westin Portland Harborview starting at $293
- AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront ME starting at $263
- Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront starting at $289
- Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront starting at $271
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Portland, Maine
Unfortunately, Portland, Maine does not have a reliable public transit network. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.
Unfortunately, most of the coastal town is not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $34 per person, per day, on local transportation in Portland, Maine. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Portland, Maine is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$34
If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port for $50 details
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port for $41 details
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city for $41 details
How much does it cost to go to Portland, Maine? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Portland, Maine will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Portland, Maine
The food and cuisine in Portland, Maine is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the coastal town that are worth visiting. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Portland, Maine can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Portland, Maine is $84 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$84
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Portland, Maine is around $84 ($84) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $179. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Portland, Maine are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $25
- Lunch: $13 to $33
- Dinner: $25 to $59
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
When it comes to food in Portland, nothing is more renowned than the Maine Lobster. Some of the finer dining options in the city include places like Fore Street, the Back Bay Grill, and Grace which is uniquely housed in the sanctuary of a former church on the National Register of Historic Places in Portland. At any of these places you can splurge and enjoy some of the finer seafood and wines of the city. If you prefer something more casual, there are plenty of pubs and cafes throughout Portland where you can grab a beer and lobster roll. If you are a beer enthusiast you might even want to visit the Allagash Brewery, a local of Portland, Maine. A tour of the brewery takes visitors from the beginning stages of the craft all the way to the bottling room, with samples at the very end of the tour.
The nightlife of the city is also very vibrant with all kinds of cocktail and sports bars thriving with people. Vena's Fizz House is one such cocktail bar that is especially unique. The array of ingredients and knowledgeable staff makes the place more of an apothecary, allowing you to sample complex concoctions and take those fine ingredients home to experiment on your own.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Make a picnic to save some cash and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Just find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic area for your meal.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Below are some standard food costs in Portland, Maine, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
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Breakfast for 2
$17
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Dinner for 2
$30
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Portland, Maine
Tourists are naturally attracted to Portland, Maine due to its beaches, food, nightlife, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Portland, Maine typically cost an average of $39 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
Situated above the city, the Portland Observatory is one of Portland's most important landmarks. Since it was built in 1807, the Portland Observatory has offered spectacular views of Portland's busy harbor and served as a beloved symbol of the city's rich maritime heritage. Existing as the only remaining historic maritime signal tower in the United States, the Portland Observatory was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. Guided tours focus on maritime history, the purpose and importance of the structure, and changes in Portland over the last two centuries. The tour of the tower ends at the top of the stairs with spectacular views of Portland, Casco Bay, Back Cove and Mount Washington.
Another popular site just south of Portland is the Portland Head Lighthouse which marks the entrance to Portland Harbor. Commissioned by George Washington and dedicated by the Marquis de Lafayette, the Portland Head light was first lit in 1791 and is the state's oldest lighthouse. With beautiful views of the rugged Maine coastline and the lighthouse as the centerpiece, the Portland Head Light area is a great place to enjoy the fresh air, crashing waves, and a little piece of Maine's history.
The city of Portland is full of opportunities for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Once you have had your fill of the Old Port and Arts District, Victoria Mansion is another neat place to see during your visit. The mansion was built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer home for Ruggles Sylvester Morse, a Maine native who made his fortune in New Orleans as the proprietor of luxury hotels. In 1894 the estate and most of its contents was sold to J.R. Libby, a merchant who opened Portland's first department store, and was later saved from demolition in 1940 by William Homes, a retired educator. Holmes opened the mansion as a museum in honor of Queen Victoria, and Victoria Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. With well-preserved, quality interiors the mansion exists as an unparalleled example of pre-Civil War grandeur. It remains a rich piece of Maine's history, and a national gem as well.
If you prefer to get away from the busyness of the city you might enjoy a walk along Portland's Eastern Promenade. The 68.2-acre park offers great views of the harbor's activities overlooking Casco Bay and a variety trails for walking, running, or biking. Sunrise overlooking the Casco Bay Islands is a notable sight, but if you are not an early riser, the views during the day are just as spectacular. If that's not enough, you can even take a day trip via ferry to the Casco Bay Islands, which are sometimes called The Calendar Islands as there are so many you could explore a different island almost every day of the year. The islands offer visitors a chance to enjoy a slower pace of life-exploring nature, watching for wildlife, relaxing on beaches, and admiring works of local artists.
Beaches:
Plenty of travelers choose Portland, Maine as their beach retreat. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Portland, Maine is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay for $75 details
- Portland's Original Beer Bus Tour for $99 details
- Sunset Tour by Kayak on Sebago Lake Maine for $59 details
Nightlife Budget in Portland, Maine
For those seeking nightlife, Portland, Maine provides some options, but it's not quite as vibrant as in other well-known spots. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $24 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Portland, Maine per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$24
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Portland, Maine. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour for $89 details
- Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour for $99 details
Traveling in Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Old Port is a historic district of Portland, Maine, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings, and fishing piers. While the coastal town has its history, the area is also a center of activity good for shopping and entertainment with a selection of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars. If you take a walk at the water's edge along Commercial Street you can see a great view of the working waterfront. The smell of the sea air, the sound of the foghorn on a distant lobster boat, and the chatter of seagulls flying above all add to the quaint charm of the coastal atmosphere of the Old Port. A few other features to note are Portland's City Hall built by Carrere and Hastings (best known for their design of the New York Public Library), as well as Portland High School, the oldest standing high school in the United States.
Located just a few blocks from the waterfront, Portland's Arts District has been re-imagined from the original department store shopping area to be home to some of Portland's renowned museums and galleries like the Portland Museum of Art and the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. The Arts District also houses the Maine College of Art (MECA) as well as attractions like the Salt Institute of Documentary Studies, Cross Insurance Arena, the renovated State Theatre, Portland Stage Company, the Maine Historical Society, Museum of African Culture, and the historic Merrill Auditorium for performing arts. The funky vibes of this downtown area emanate from the collection of museums and art galleries mingled with numerous contemporary music and performance venues, plus some fine and ethnic dining choices. A walk through this part of the city will immerse you in some of the contemporary culture of Portland, a full display of the arts native to the area.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
It's a charming town with reasonably priced hotels and a beautiful coastline. A great free activity is taking one of the walking paths that runs along the water.