A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Winston-Salem for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Winston-Salem can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Winston-Salem, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Baltimore is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem is known for its historical sights. Baltimore is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Baltimore different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.


Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Baltimore is an experience not to be missed. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Baltimore has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is very good for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Winston-Salem to see the old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Baltimore is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.


Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is popular with students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is notable for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.


Is Baltimore or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Winston-Salem

Baltimore is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Baltimore or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Baltimore than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Winston-Salem. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baltimore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Baltimore than Winston-Salem. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Baltimore that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Winston-Salem if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Baltimore.


  • How many days in Baltimore or Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winston-Salem. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Baltimore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Baltimore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, while the average daily cost in Winston-Salem is $150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baltimore and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Winston-Salem? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Baltimore


Hotels in Winston-Salem


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Baltimore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baltimore $46
    Winston-Salem $42
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Downtown Baltimore In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Historic & Cultural Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $14
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $24
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $28
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $28
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Downtown Winston-Salem Historic Guided Tour: $16
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Winston-Salem $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Winston-Salem, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Winston-Salem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Winston-Salem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Winston-Salem and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Winston-Salem.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Winston-Salem Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Winston-Salem, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Winston-Salem?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Winston-Salem. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Winston-Salem. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Winston-Salem. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Winston-Salem. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

Both Winston-Salem and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. Baltimore is much colder than Winston-Salem in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Winston-Salem during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

Both Winston-Salem and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Baltimore is cooler than Winston-Salem. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Winston-Salem. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Winston-Salem. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Baltimore

Baltimore Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)