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

Should you visit Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem

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

Saint Louis and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Louis than Winston-Salem. Saint Louis is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Louis is better known for its museums and shopping, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights. Saint Louis is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Saint Louis different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Saint Louis is renowned 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Winston-Salem can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Winston-Salem has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Saint Louis or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Winston-Salem.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

If you're looking for night time activities Winston-Salem has a few options to choose from. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Saint Louis or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Saint Louis or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

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

Saint Louis is a good city for couples to visit. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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 Saint Louis or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a good destination for students. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis can get you to most places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Saint Louis or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Winston-Salem

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis.


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

One day in Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under rated destination of Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Winston-Salem. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. 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.

The friendly city of Winston-Salem offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Saint Louis. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Saint Louis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis


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: Saint Louis Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $116
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $116
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis $54
    Winston-Salem $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - St. Louis, MO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Winston-Salem $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

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

  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $9.80
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $174
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174

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
    Saint Louis $19
    Winston-Salem $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Winston-Salem?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Winston-Salem. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°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 Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 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. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Winston-Salem. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°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 Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Winston-Salem. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

Both Winston-Salem and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Louis 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. Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

Both Winston-Salem and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°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 Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Winston-Salem. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Winston-Salem. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)