Too much sun or too much rain? This might be one of the most common questions when considering whether to visit either Portland, Oregon, or Phoenix, Arizona. It’s prevalent, especially if you’re particular about the weather. However, besides considering how much sun you will get or how many times you will get soaked in the rain, there are several other aspects. We give you a list of essential things you should include in choosing between Arizona and Portland.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Friendliness and Culture
A vibrant culture awaits you in Portland. This city in Oregon exudes quirkiness and creativity. Also, it boasts a vast selection of local and international cuisine. Its creative scene can be extra, with large murals all over the city, various monthly art festivals, and mystic neighborhoods you can only experience in Portland.
The town fosters everything local. Hence you seldom see chain stores here. Instead, independent stores, bars, and restaurants will greet you while strolling on the streets. Did we say beer? Yes, because Portland locally produces one of the best craft beers in the country. And coffee too. Do not be afraid to mingle with the locals. They’re warm and friendly to other locals and strangers.
One of Portland and Phoenix’s common things is its love for nature and the outdoors. With its sunny days being present almost all year round, you can go to botanical gardens and various parks, and even play golf if you are into the sport. Generally, the city is contemporary Arizona’s heart and soul. Besides its natural landmarks, you can see Mexican influences in Phoenix. Even their cuisine has a touch of Mexican and Western blends.
There’s nothing to be frightened about when roaming the streets of Phoenix. In 2015, a report revealed that Phoenix is ranked among the friendliest cities in the country.
Demographics and Diversity
Phoenix houses more than twice as many residents as Portland in terms of population. Currently, based on the 2020 Census, the capital of Arizona has over 1.6 million people, while Portland has about 650 000 residents.
Both cities are mostly dominated by white residents accounting for over 70% of the population. Other races still in both cities include Black or African Americans and Asians.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Weather
Probably one of the factors of Phoenix’s high temperature is its location. The city sits in the northern part of the Sonoran Desert. It is a piece of land covering about 100 000 square miles, including mostly half of Southern Arizona, most of the Baja California peninsula, Southeastern California, the Gulf of California, and a significant part of Sonora, Mexico. Phoenix, in general, has a warm and dry climate.
It is almost sunny throughout the year, and people flock here during the winter months. Its annual rainfall is only about nine inches, primarily divided between the winter and summer months.
Portland is the opposite of Phoenix as it rains a lot in this city in Oregon, with an annual rainfall of 42 inches. Despite its rain, Portland generally has a moderate climate with warm and dry summers and wet and cool winters with a tiny bit of snow. The city’s mild weather makes it ideal for outdoor explorations.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Budget and Living Costs
Living in Portland is relatively more expensive than in Phoenix. You could say that living in Phoenix is more affordable without compromising on urban amenities. In context, a person can rent a house for about $1 035 a month. Meanwhile, the energy bill lies at an average of $161 per month, phone bills at $171/month, and gasoline at about $2/gallon.
Meanwhile, Portland’s monthly rents fall between $1 439 and $1 557. You can get more affordable housing rents from neighborhoods like Cully. Portland’s utility costs are slightly higher at $254, including electricity, internet, gas, heat, and garbage services. Portland’s cost of living index is about 29% higher than the national average.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Lifestyle
There are countless weird and unique things to do in Portland. The city’s businesses, events, attractions, and people continue to foster this distinct lifestyle and have adopted the slogan “Keep Portland Weird.” While strolling, you might chance upon people riding unicycles, playing bagpipes wearing a costume.
The city also continues to live by practicing sustainability. For one, riding a bike in Portland is common. Secondly, most bars and restaurants create cuisine from fresh produce locally grown by farmers in the city. Public transportation is very useful for commuters in Portland. However, if you have a car with you, remember that the city does not allow car owners to pump fuel independently.
Phoenix, on the other hand, is called a sports haven. The city hosts athletic events such as golf, hockey, football, and basketball. There are so many teams to watch out for you get curious and want to see some games live. Community events like cultural celebrations and film festivals also make the city of Phoenix attractive.
Another common thing about the lifestyle in Phoenix and Portland is both cities house big natural attractions making it ideal for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Transportation and Traffic
Portland is true to its word when it comes to sustainability. Besides creating bike lanes for workers opting to ride bicycles to and from work, its TriMet buses utilize 100% renewable energy. Besides buses, you can get around the city using streetcars or light rail. Portland consistently ranks as one of the best cities in America in terms of public transport. Commute time in the city is about 26.1 minutes. It is slightly lower than the national average, which is 26.4.
Similar to the rest of Arizona, the city of Phoenix embraces car culture. You mostly need your car to make the most of Phoenix. The city has the “pick-and-ride” option to park your car, hop on buses and light rail to beat the traffic and pick up your vehicles at the end of the day. Despite its large population, its traffic congestion is not as bad as other big metropolitan areas.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Crime
Phoenix and Portland are relatively safe for locals and visitors alike. However, it is noteworthy that homicide cases in these two cities continue to rise. Portland currently faces an increase in gun violence. Most of these homicide victims even died in shooting incidents, and in the majority of these cases, there have been zero arrests. In 2021, Phoenix recorded 198 homicide cases, not very far from its 2020 record of 200.
It can be said that the cities are relatively safe, but it pays to be cautious and vigilant while exploring the places.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Things to do and other attractions
Living in Portland means indulging in all things fermented, beer included. Besides craft beers, you can enjoy kombucha and ciders, which overflow in every restaurant and pub in the city. If you love beers, chance upon beer festivals every month. Besides beer, food is everywhere in Portland. The restaurants in the town boast fresh ingredients from local farmers, while close to 600 food carts are scattered around the city, offering various local and international flavors. Remember to score some handmade crafts from boutiques and check out themed bars during the night.
Nightlife is also exciting in Phoenix. There are craft beers, curated cocktails, and more of the city’s trendiest areas. Also, a diverse food scene awaits you in Phoenix. Try some French toast and a Parisian omelet for breakfast and fill your stomach with comfort food such as beef short rib stew from downtown. Phoenix’s The Grand is an excellent place for people to explore coffee shops, ballrooms, bars, beer gardens, and outdoor stages.
Nature Attractions and Outdoors
Portland and Phoenix both are a haven for outdoor activities. Despite Phoenix’s hot climate, the city offers excellent outdoor fun. Head to the South Mountain Park and Preserve, considered America’s biggest municipal park. There is Papago Park, Piestewa Peak Park, and Desert Botanical Garden for you to explore and go sightseeing. If your time permits, witness the magnificent Grand Canyon, about a three-hour drive from downtown Phoenix. The city is also home to the biggest annual PGA event, Waste Management Phoenix Open. You might also experience playing golf on one of the hundred courses in the city.
Parks and botanical gardens are also popular in Portland. Outdoor activities are everywhere. You can take a hike or stop for a picnic at one of over 200 parks in the city. Bask in the lush greenery at Forest Park while discovering the waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge. You can take a little trip outside the city and do snow-crested activities at Mount Hood. The Peninsula Park Rose Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, and Portland Japanese Garden are ideal for nature sightseeing.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Music, Arts, and Neighborhoods
Art is everywhere in Portland. Several notable places in the city are art-centered events and galleries. Do not miss the Pacific Northwest’s oldest art museum – the Portland Art Museum. The Portland Institute for Contemporary Art hosts numerous community events that you can experience. Portland’s Pearl District has a high concentration of local galleries and while strolling along the city streets, see the vibrant Portland street art for yourself.
Also, Powell’s City of Books is a huge bookstore in the city which boasts various literary pieces. The music scene in Portland has long been known to be just as unique and weird as Portland. Check out the Mississippi Studios for some punk, indie rock, and grunge sounds.
Phoenix prides itself on having various cultural opportunities in music and arts. Besides its community events, the city holds the Phoenix Film Festival. It is an eleven-day event showcasing 300 films, parties, filmmaking seminars, and workshops. You can also visit the Arizona Opera Company and Ballet Arizona Arts for some performances. The ASU Art Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum are also excellent places to discover the city’s culture and history.
Notable Neighborhoods in Portland
- Hawthorne is a neighborhood with walkable streets and block after block of vintage boutiques, shops, and cafes. Go thrift shopping, fine and casual dining, stay at cozy bookstores, and get an excellent espresso while exploring the area.
- Alberta Arts District is where live music, local art, and a vast range of restaurants and bars thrive. Experience Last Thursday and treat yourself to great street arts, food, and more if your schedule permits.
- Johns has retained its small-town vibe with various locally-owned shops, cafes, and pubs that excite locals and visitors alike. This neighborhood is home to Bridgetown’s most magnificent and beloved parks.
Notable Neighborhoods in Phoenix
- Encanto offers a historic feel with urban living. There are several retail shops along the Park Central Mall area. Also, is it an excellent spot for LGBTQ nightlife?
- Downtown Phoenix houses various pubs, restaurants, art, and culture. It is a great place to reside, work, and play. Furthermore, biking and walking here are good alternatives to driving.
- Downtown Scottsdale is considered one of the places to live in the city. There are several bike and horse trails. Also, the neighborhood boasts trendy restaurants with an artistic vibe. Residents here get 330 days of sun in a year.
Portland vs. Phoenix: Social Issues
Phoenix continues to solve problems regarding housing insecurity which leads to several people getting homeless. Additionally, Portland, for its part, is facing similar issues on homelessness. While there are efforts to solve this concern, the people from Portland see the quality of life in the city getting worse, citing crimes and homelessness as the most significant problems.
Besides housing insecurity, Phoenix also is one of the cities with the worst air quality in the country in terms of smog or ozone levels.
Final Thoughts
One of the notable differences between Phoenix and Portland is the climate. It rains so much in Portland, and the sun is always up for most of the year in Phoenix. Choosing between these two cities will probably rely on which climate you prefer. Taking this factor aside, these two cities also are similar in some ways, priding themselves on excellent food, great outdoor opportunities, and neighborhoods you can explore.
We also have posts on…
- Best Scenic train rides in or near Portland
- Best Waterfall Hikes Near Portland
- Places to visit in Oregon
- Best Sno-Parks near Portland
Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/