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

Should you visit Miami 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 Miami and Winston-Salem can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Winston-Salem

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

Miami and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Winston-Salem. Miami is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Miami is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Miami different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Miami
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Winston-Salem

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

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Winston-Salem

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

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Winston-Salem Better for Music?

Miami
Winston-Salem

Miami is renowned for its music scene. However, Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Miami
Winston-Salem

Miami is renowned for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Miami
Winston-Salem

Miami is renowned for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

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

Miami
Winston-Salem

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

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Winston-Salem?

Miami
Winston-Salem

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

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Miami
Winston-Salem

Miami 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.

Miami is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly beach 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 Miami or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Miami
Winston-Salem

Miami is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Miami is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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

Miami
Winston-Salem

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

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 Miami or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Miami
Winston-Salem

Miami and Winston-Salem are notable places to visit for students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

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

Miami
Winston-Salem

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

Miami has a few public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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 Miami or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Miami
Winston-Salem

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable beach 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 Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Miami or Winston-Salem?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Miami or Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in Miami or Winston-Salem?

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Miami or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Miami or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the exciting big city of Miami. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach 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.

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Winston-Salem?

You'll find live music and food around the beach city of Miami. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, 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 Miami and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Miami and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Miami 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 Miami


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Winston-Salem $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • 50 min Everglades Airboat, Photo & Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $44
  • The Ultimate Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show and Transfer: $47
  • Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA) to Port Everglades: $60
  • Key West Transfer with Hotel Pickup and Upgrades: $60

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

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Winston-Salem $42
Typical Food Prices in Miami

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


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

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

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • South Beach Donut & Gelato Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • Cuban Food Tour Of Little Havana: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $5.92
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.27
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.27
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.70
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Big Cypress National Preserve Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $12

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
    Miami $22
    Winston-Salem $24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Winston-Salem?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

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

In July, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during summer. Miami gets 316 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. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

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

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

Miami is much warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Winston-Salem. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

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

Both Winston-Salem and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami 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. In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

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

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

In April, Miami is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Winston-Salem. Miami 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
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Miami

Miami Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)