City in Oregon, United States
Portland
Relaxed Pacific Northwest city for coffee, food carts, craft beer, bikes and fast trips to forests and coast. Rain from fall to spring, visible street homelessness and rising rents are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,000–4,500Comfortable, one person · $3,000–4,500Details
- Value for money16/100Better value than 15% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Air quality5.8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and very good, from the Bull Run watershed.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless nearly everywhere, including food carts.Details
Where to stay in Portland
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pearl District and Old Town | Central: shops, Powell's Books and transit |
| Southeast Division and Hawthorne | Restaurants, bars, cafés and bikeable streets |
| Alberta Arts and Mississippi | Local shops, food carts and music venues |
| Northwest 23rd (Nob Hill) | Quiet, walkable streets near Forest Park |
Apps that work in Portland
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis are scarce outside the airport and downtown hotels. Apps are cheaper and easier; MAX covers the airport route.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless nearly everywhere, including food carts. Carry a little cash for tips and farmers markets.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Going to Portland solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Portland meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.