Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Portland

Accommodation

$25-60 per night

Hostels with shared dorms, budget motels on outer neighborhoods, or shared rooms in guesthouses

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Food carts, casual counter-service spots, grocery store meals, happy hour specials at local bars

Transportation

$5-12 per day

Public buses and MAX light rail, walking, occasional bike rentals

Activities

$0-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museum days, hiking trails, window shopping in neighborhoods

Eat at food cart pods instead of sit-down restaurants - typically 40-60% cheaper for similar quality

Use TriMet day passes for unlimited public transit instead of individual rides - saves 30-50% on transportation

Visit during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) for 20-40% lower accommodation rates

Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants and breweries - often 25-50% off food and drinks

Stay in neighborhoods like Southeast or Northeast Portland instead of downtown - typically 30-50% cheaper accommodation

Pack layers and rain gear to avoid buying expensive weather gear locally

Book food cart meals for lunch and save dinner budget for one nicer restaurant experience

Staying exclusively in downtown Pearl District or Northwest areas - typically 50-100% more expensive than other neighborhoods with easy transit access

Taking rideshares everywhere instead of using excellent public transit system - can cost 300-500% more

Eating only at tourist-focused restaurants instead of exploring local food cart pods and neighborhood spots - often 100-200% markup in tourist areas

Not checking brewery happy hours and daily specials - missing potential 30-50% savings on Portland's famous beer scene