Comparison · Austin vs Portland · United States
Austin vs Portland
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Austin for Live music, Texas barbecue and a milder winter; choose Portland for Food carts, Powell's City of Books and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 2,748 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,748 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Austin
- March–April and October–November
- Best time for Portland
- June–September
Side by side
| Austin | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Live music, Texas barbecue and Breakfast tacos | Food carts, Powell's City of Books and Craft beer |
| Best time to visit | March–April and October–November | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$330 | $200–$340 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 36°C (97°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 17°C (63°F) | December, 8°C (46°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | AUS | PDX |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Austin for…
Live music, Texas barbecue and a milder winter. Austin, the capital of Texas, sits on the Colorado River where the flat prairie meets the limestone hills of the Hill Country. It calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World, with music most nights on Sixth Street, Red River and South Congress, and it…
Choose Portland for…
Food carts, Powell's City of Books and free sights. Portland, Oregon's largest city, straddles the Willamette River about 100 km inland from the Pacific, with Mount Hood on the eastern horizon. Its compact downtown and the Pearl District hold Powell's City of Books and the riverfront park, while the hills of…
Top sights compared
| # | Austin | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas State Capitol | Powell's City of Books |
| 2 | Barton Springs Pool | International Rose Test Garden |
| 3 | Congress Avenue Bridge bats | Portland Japanese Garden |
| 4 | Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Trail | Lan Su Chinese Garden |
| 5 | Zilker Park | Pittock Mansion |
Food compared
| Austin | Portland |
|---|---|
| Central Texas brisket | Food cart meals |
| Breakfast tacos | Craft doughnuts |
| Queso | Marionberry pie |
| Tex-Mex enchiladas | Craft beer |
Which is cheaper?
Austin and Portland cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $200–$330 in Austin and $200–$340 in Portland (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Austin on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,748 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Austin or Portland cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $200–$330 in Austin and $200–$340 in Portland (estimates).
+Is Austin or Portland better for a first trip?
Pick Austin for Live music, Texas barbecue and a milder winter, or Portland for Food carts, Powell's City of Books and free sights.
+How far is Austin from Portland?
About 2,748 km in a straight line.