A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Winston-Salem for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Winston-Salem can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a wild, adventurous, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Both Cabo San Lucas and Winston-Salem have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Winston-Salem offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas is an experience not to be missed. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is considered a top beach destination. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its 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.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular spot for hiking. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for students. However, Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Cabo San Lucas has a few public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Winston-Salem

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cabo San Lucas than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the wild destination of Cabo San Lucas. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

In Winston-Salem, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the wild destination of Cabo San Lucas. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Winston-Salem. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Cabo San Lucas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $139, 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 Cabo San Lucas and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $63
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $126
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $28
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • San Jose del Cabo to Los Cabos Airport (SJD) Departure Transfer: $31
  • Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to San Jose del Cabo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $33
  • Cabo San Lucas Port to Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Cabo San Lucas City to Cabo San Lucas Port Private Transfer : $33
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Airport CSL Departure Transfer: $33
  • Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport CSL to Cabo San Lucas : $33
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Airport CSL Departure Transfer: $33
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port- Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Cabo San Lucas hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $33
  • Departure Transfer from CaboSanLucas to CaboSanLucas Airport(CSL): $33
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport CSL to Cruise Port Arrival Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $51
    Winston-Salem $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Domestic Open Bar: $64
  • Tasting Cabo San Lucas Like a Local Food Tour: $70
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Open Bar: $75
  • Seafood Galore, Los Cabos Food Tour: $80
  • Sea to Table Fisherman's Seafood Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $80
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $85
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $86
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $86
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise: Fajitas, Lands End and Party: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $43
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Your Own Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Cabo, Lunch included: $1.20
  • Tour paseo al Arco + bajada en playa: $12
  • Boat Tour to Cabo San Lucas Arch and Rock Formations: $18
  • Glass bottom boat tour: $19
  • Cabo San Lucas Arch Tour and we go down to Playa del Amor: $19
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $20
  • Water Taxi Tour: $20
  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour - Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $23
  • Classic Tour to the Arch in Glass Bottom: $23
  • Tour to The Arch from Cabo San Lucas : $29

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
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $28
    Winston-Salem $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $55
  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $190


When comparing the travel costs between Cabo San Lucas and Winston-Salem, we can see that Winston-Salem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.