Comparison · Portland vs Seattle · United States
Portland vs Seattle
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Spicypepper999, CC0
Quick answer
Choose Portland for Food carts, Powell's City of Books and lower day-to-day costs; choose Seattle for Pike Place Market, Space Needle and beaches. Portland is generally less expensive, and the two are about 234 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 234 km
- Less expensive
- Portland
- Best time for Portland
- June–September
- Best time for Seattle
- June–September
Side by side
| Portland | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Food carts, Powell's City of Books and Craft beer | Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Coffee culture |
| Best time to visit | June–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$340 | $250–$420 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 8°C (46°F) | January, 8°C (46°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | Alki Beach |
| Airports | PDX | SEA, PAE |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Portland for…
Food carts, Powell's City of Books and lower day-to-day costs. 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…
Choose Seattle for…
Pike Place Market, Space Needle and beaches. Seattle stretches along hills between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with Mount Rainier visible to the southeast on clear days. Most first-time visitors stay downtown and walk to Pike Place Market, the rebuilt waterfront and Pioneer Square, then take the…
Top sights compared
| # | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powell's City of Books | Pike Place Market |
| 2 | International Rose Test Garden | Space Needle |
| 3 | Portland Japanese Garden | Chihuly Garden and Glass |
| 4 | Lan Su Chinese Garden | Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) |
| 5 | Pittock Mansion | Waterfront and Pier 62 |
Food compared
| Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|
| Food cart meals | Wild Pacific salmon |
| Craft doughnuts | Dungeness crab |
| Marionberry pie | Pacific Northwest oysters |
| Craft beer | Seattle-style hot dog |
Which is cheaper?
Portland is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $200–$340 per person there, against $250–$420 in Seattle (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Portland on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Portland and Seattle are about 234 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Portland and 4 in Seattle.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Portland or Seattle cheaper?
Portland is usually less expensive: about $200–$340 a day mid-range against $250–$420 (estimates).
+Is Portland or Seattle better for a first trip?
Pick Portland for Food carts, Powell's City of Books and lower day-to-day costs, or Seattle for Pike Place Market, Space Needle and beaches.
+How far is Portland from Seattle?
About 234 km in a straight line.