Portland is a nature-filled city known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. 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.
How much does it cost to travel to Portland?
You should plan to spend around $211 per day on your vacation in Portland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $74 on meals
- $28 on local transportation
- $194 on hotels
A one week trip to Portland for two people costs, on average, $2,954. 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
$1,477
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,954
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One Month
Per person
$6,330
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One Week
For a couple
$2,954
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,908
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One Month
For a couple
$12,660
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Portland cost?
A one week trip to Portland usually costs around $1,477 for one person and $2,954 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Portland on average costs around $2,954 for one person and $5,908 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 will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Portland on average costs around $6,330 for one person and $12,660 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Portland expensive to visit?
Portland is a popular city that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Portland can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by taking public transit and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $85 per day, mid-range travelers spend $211 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $513 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Portland.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Portland is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Monterey or Saint Simons.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Portland Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Portland?
The average Portland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Portland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Portland cost?
Portland on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
|
$97
|
$222
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$12
|
$28
|
$65
|
|
Food 2
|
$29
|
$74
|
$190
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8.04
|
$24
|
$85
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
|
$9-26
|
$21-62
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Portland without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $85 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Portland offers plenty of hostels, including Northwest Portland Hostel and Lolo Pass. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Portland will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $211 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Portland. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Eastlund BW Premier Collection is a good kid-friendly option, and Royal Sonesta Portland is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Portland here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $513. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Portland
Hotel prices in Portland can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $136, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $254. Budget accommodations range from $98 to $351, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Portland for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $194. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $97 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Portland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Portland include:
- Hotel Eastlund BW Premier Collection starting at $148
- Royal Sonesta Portland starting at $149
- Kimpton Riverplace Hotel starting at $236
- Canopy By Hilton Portland Pearl District starting at $194
- Portland Marriott City Center starting at $181
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the city in Portland thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Many visitors prefer to discover Portland by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.
Transportation Budget in Portland
Portland has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.
Visitors who like to stroll and explore will truly enjoy their time here. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $28 per person, per day, on local transportation in Portland. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Portland is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$28
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Departure Transfer to Portland Airport (PDX) for $40 details
- Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer for $70 details
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer for $74 details
How much does it cost to go to Portland? 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 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
The dining options in Portland are limited and not particularly high-quality. Instead of splurging on meals, focus your budget on other activities that are more worthwhile. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Portland can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Portland is $74 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Portland is around $74 ($74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $190. 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 are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Portland has no shortage of restaurants for all budgets. Burgers, cafes, Mexican, and Chinese restaurants are all great options for those on a budget. If you're looking for a nicer restaurant, there are plenty of seafood restaurants, wine bars, or grills that have great food in an excellent setting.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Portland, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour for $128 details
- Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour for $95 details
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour for $95 details
Typical prices for food in Portland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Portland. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
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Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
$9.50
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Portland
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Portland, as it is known for its hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, nightlife, and music.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Portland typically cost an average of $24 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.
$24
There are plenty of places to explore and wander in Portland, as well as some great sights and landmarks. Most of these you can visit during a weekend in Portland as the city is fairly compact and easy to navigate. The Museum of Contemporary Craft is a great place to visit as is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The Portland Aerial Tram will give you some good views of the downtown area and, if the weather is good, the surrounding mountains. Portland Underground is a series of tunnels that can be explored by tour and Pittock Mansion is a beautiful Victorian mansion. There are some great gardens around Portland as well so make sure you take the time to swing by Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, the Grotto Gardens, or Forest Park.
While you're in Portland, take advantage of the area's excellent music scene. There are a good number of venues that get some very popular shows, but it can be just as fun to visit the local bars and clubs and enjoying whatever local band is performing that night.
There are also any number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. The Portland Rose Festival is in early June and is the city's largest event. It's a fun and beautiful time to visit the city.
Hiking:
The hiking scene in Portland is truly remarkable. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Portland. 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:
- Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge Scenic Fight by Envi Adventures for $179 details
- Taste of Hawthorne Food and Backyard Urban Farm Tour for $104 details
- Sunset Tour of Multnomah Falls plus Vista House and Other Falls for $99 details
Nightlife Budget in Portland
If you're looking for nightlife, Portland has some options, but it's less active than in other more popular locales. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Portland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Nightlife is fun, but be cautious when drinking. Thieves target distracted people, so stay with your group and trust your instincts to keep yourself safe.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Portland. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour for $290 details
- Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local for $59 details
- Bed and Breakfast Wine Tour - Small Group, Joinable/Sharable for $230 details
Traveling in Portland
Portland, Oregon
Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.
For many people, Portland's atmosphere is a part of the appeal. The city has a youthful vibe with a lot of outdoor oriented activity. The population is known to be very eco-friendly and the city's atmosphere is actually quite relaxed. There are many independently owned shops that sell interesting and unique merchandise. You'll find plenty of used bookshops, coffee shops, and microbreweries, as well as a high concentration of restaurants for a city of its size.
Portland has a similar climate to the rest of the Pacific Northwest. Rain is common during the fall, winter and spring seasons. It is not uncommon for there to be a constant drizzle or mist that keeps you damp, but downpours are less likely. Winters rarely see snow but can be very rainy. By late June, the clouds begin to part and the temperatures get much warmer. The summer months are very pleasant and offer a great time to visit the city.
Neighborhoods & Around
Portland has many unique and beautiful neighborhoods. In the southwest area you'll find the city's downtown which is very compact and pedestrian friendly. It's a great area to walk around and has many attractions to draw visitors. Pioneer Courthouse Square is a brick plaza that is the cultural center for the city. The Yamhill National Historic District is a compact, six block area that has 19th century architecture and some interesting places to visit. The Old Town District was the city's original commercial core that runs along the Willamette River. Portland Heights is located in the hills south of Burnside Street and west of SW Vista. This is one of the oldest and wealthiest neighborhoods in the city. South Waterfront is a newer neighborhood with high rise offices and condos
Northwest Portland has the neighborhoods of Chinatown, the Pearl District, Northwest 23rd and Nob Hill. Northeast Portland has Irvington, Alberta Arts District, and North Mississippi District. Finally, Southeast Portland has Hawthorne, Laurelhurst, Sellwood, Westmoreland and Eastmoreland.
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.
We managed to save money by staying a bit outside of town. Since we had our own car, we were able to drive into town or take a number of day trips to the many nearby parks and attractions.