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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Winston-Salem. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jacksonville and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Winston-Salem. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Jacksonville different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

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

Jacksonville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Jacksonville is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.


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

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Both Jacksonville and Winston-Salem are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Winston-Salem. 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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

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

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Both Jacksonville and Winston-Salem are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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.


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

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

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

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Winston-Salem

Jacksonville is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jacksonville or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.


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

One day in Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this under-rated city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.


A weekend in Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Jacksonville. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $128
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $341

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

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Winston-Salem $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

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

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Winston-Salem $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Winston-Salem, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Winston-Salem Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Winston-Salem?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Winston-Salem. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Winston-Salem. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

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

Both Winston-Salem and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winston-Salem. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

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

Both Winston-Salem and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Winston-Salem. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Winston-Salem. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)