I’ve had the opportunity to visit Portland, Maine several times over the past five years. As someone that hails from the “other” Portland, you better believe I jumped on the opportunity to compare Portland, Oregon vs. Portland, Maine.
Although the two Portlands are found on opposite coasts (3,000 miles apart), they often find themselves in the crosshairs of comparison due to similar reputations. Both cities are known for easy-going locals, great breweries, strong coffee, liberal-leaning politics, outdoor enthusiasts, eco-friendliness and gray skies.
But there’s more to the story that that. Read on to learn about Portland, Oregon vs. Portland, Maine, based on firsthand experience.
The short version
Portland, Oregon is the bigger city with the deeper food and beer scene. Portland, Maine is the smaller, more historic one with more sunshine, four real seasons, and a quieter coast.
- Pick Portland, Oregon for a big-city food scene, more breweries, more amenities, and easy access to Mt. Hood, the Gorge, and the Oregon Coast.
- Pick Portland, Maine for old-world New England charm, more sunny days, all four seasons, fresh lobster, and coastal solitude.
- Honest truth: they share a vibe but not a size — Oregon’s Portland is about 10x bigger, so the trade-off is amenities versus a slower, more historic pace.
Portland, Oregon vs. Portland, Maine
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Similarities Between Portland Maine and Portland Oregon
Guides you might enjoy: 12 Fun Things to Do in Portland, Maine & 25+ EPIC Things to Do in Portland, Oregon (+5 Tourist Traps to Avoid)
Population
To truly appreciate the similarities and differences between Portland, Oregon and Portland, Maine, you need to understand their respective sizes.
Portland, Oregon’s population clocks in at 635,000, which is almost 10x higher than Portland, Maine’s population of 69,000.
Small cities naturally lend themselves to a slower pace, while bigger cities are known for convenience and amenities.
The drastic size difference makes comparing the two Portlands challenging because the pros and cons of medium-sized cities are different from those of small cities. For example, the job opportunities in Portland, Oregon far surpass those in Portland, Maine. Just something to keep in mind as you read through the list.
City Charm
Let’s face it, it’s hard to beat the old-world charm of the east coast (this is coming from a lifelong west coaster). Cobble-stone streets and ivy-clad brick houses, you’ve to give credit where credit is due.
Portland, Maine is 200 years older than Portland, Oregon and therefore naturally more historic. It exudes an irresistible charm that Portland, Oregon simply can’t compete with.
But don’t get me wrong, Portland, Oregon has some unbelievably quaint neighborhoods to wander through. There’s just no replacement for New England’s cozy charm and red-brick buildings, the city is a gem to explore.
Weather
Portland, Maine has all four seasons covered. From stunning fall color and snowy winters to blissful summers and colorful springs. On the other hand, Portland, Oregon typically features two seasons, picture-perfect summers and gray skies most of the year.
Rainfall: People often assume that Portland, Oregon gets more rain than Portland, Maine but that’s actually not the case. Portland, Oregon averages 44 inches of rain annually whereas Portland, Maine averages 47 inches.
The reason it seems like Oregon’s city gets more rain is because of the looming gray clouds that take residence over the city for a good six months of the year. It feels like rain is always imminent, whereas Maine’s city gets intense showers (mixed with a few thunderstorms) that move on as quickly as they arrive.
Sunshine: Now, in terms of sunny days, Portland, Maine takes the cake with an average 203 days of sunshine per year compared to Portland, Oregon’s 144 days (ouch!). There’s no denying that most US cities get more sunshine than Portland, Oregon. But the moody weather is perfect for curling up with a good book, so it’s not all bad.
Great Food Scene
The birthplace of James Beard, Oregon’s city is no stranger to the limelight when food is the topic of choice. Portland’s award-winning restaurants put the city on the map, which many foodies making a pilgrimage out west to see what all the fuss is about.
The variety spans the gamut. From known-out international cuisine to refined farm-to-table dining, you’ll never go hungry in Portland, Oregon.
Well, turns out Portland, Maine’s food scene is nothing to scoff at either! Especially in the seafood category, Maine’s fresh caught lobster is world renowned for good reason. The city’s culinary scene punches above its weight, offering a great selection of restaurants focusing on fresh, local and seasonal cuisine.
Heck, the lobster rolls at Eventide Oyster Co. are worth the trip alone. I still can’t get the meal out of my mind 2+ years later.
Top-Notch Beer
I guarantee you won’t get thirsty in either Portland. Portland, Maine has the most breweries per capita of any US city. But Portland, Oregon sells more craft beer than any city in the United States (accounting for 40% of beer sales).
What’s more, Portland, Oregon has 58 breweries within city limits, compared to Portland, Maine’s 30 (both highly impressive numbers).
Breweries to try in Portland, Maine: Allagash (especially the seasonal pumpkin brew) and Austin Street Breweries. Read: 20 EPIC Portland Breweries Guaranteed to Quench Your Thirst.
The Coffee Scene
Both Portlands can rightfully lay claim to hearty coffee cultures. How else would locals combat the dark, cold rainy days? During my visit to Portland, Maine, I was blown away by the coffee on offer.
The brews were exceptional and the decor made me feel like I was stepping foot into my neighborhood cafe, the baristas even dressed the same! Make sure to try Tandem Coffee and Bard Coffee while visiting Maine’s city.
Visiting Portland, Oregon? Read: 15+ Charming Portland Cafes You Can’t Help But Love
Proximity to Nature
Access to nature is a big draw for both Portlands, and thankfully both deliver. Portland, Oregon neighbors the stunning Columbia Gorge, Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood and Bend (to name a few). I mean, the Seven Wonders of Oregon can’t be beat.
But keep in mind that these places are popular with locals and visitors alike so crowds are all but guaranteed. On the other hand, Portland, Maine is a coastal town through-and-through. If you love the sea, Maine won’t disappoint.
And since Portland, Maine isn’t as crowded as the other Portland, there’s a higher chance you’ll find solitude while relaxing outdoors (isn’t that what wilderness is for?).
What’s in a Name?
Is seems the two Portlands were destined for comparison from the start. The decision to call Oregon’s city Portland was determined by a coin toss.
The founders of Portland, Oregon were two settlers from New England. One from Boston, Massachusetts and the other from Portland, Maine. Both settlers wanted to name the city after their respective home towns and decided to settle for a coin toss – the rest, as they say, is history.
P.S. You can see the 1835 penny used to decide Portland’s name at Oregon’s Historical Society, don’t miss it.
Portland, Oregon vs. Portland, Maine, row by row
| Category | Portland, Oregon | Portland, Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Pace | ~635,000 people — big-city amenities, more job opportunities, faster pace. | ~69,000 people — small, slower, easy to take in on foot. |
| Charm | Quaint neighborhoods worth a wander, but newer. | Two centuries older; cobblestones and red-brick New England charm.Winner |
| Weather | Two seasons — perfect summers, gray the rest; ~144 sunny days. | All four seasons; ~203 sunny days a year.Winner |
| Food | James Beard’s birthplace; award-winning, foodie-pilgrimage variety.Winner | Punches above its weight; world-renowned lobster and seafood. |
| Beer | A deep, big-city craft scene with breweries all over town. | The most breweries per capita of any US city. |
| Nature | Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, the Oregon Coast, the Seven Wonders.Winner | Coastal through and through, with quieter, less-crowded outdoors. |
| Best For | Foodies, beer lovers, and travelers who want big-city options. | History buffs, seafood lovers, and sunshine-and-solitude seekers. |
My pick — the verdict
It honestly depends on the traveler.
Come to Portland, Oregon for the bigger food and beer scene and the Mt. Hood, Gorge, and coast day trips. Come to Portland, Maine for the old-world charm, the extra sunshine, the four seasons, and lobster rolls worth the flight. Two cities, one name, two very different trips.
I hope you enjoyed this list of comparisons between Portland, Oregon and Portland, Maine. It was fun to mull over the similarities and differences between the two cities. Cheers!
Antonina
Read: 8 Quirky Portland Nicknames (& the Meanings Behind Them)
