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

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

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


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Winston-Salem. Saint Petersburg is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, food, resorts, and beaches, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is an experience not to be missed. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Winston-Salem.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

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

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

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

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.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Winston-Salem both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Winston-Salem offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.


Is Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly coastal 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 Petersburg or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

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

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks 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 Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.


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

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

Saint Petersburg and Winston-Salem both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally 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 Petersburg or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Winston-Salem

Saint Petersburg and Winston-Salem are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. 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 Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Petersburg than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the under-rated city of Winston-Salem. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal 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 popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. 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 great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, 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 Petersburg and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg


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 Petersburg Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Winston-Salem $23

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

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg $49
    Winston-Salem $42
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Winston-Salem $20

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
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Winston-Salem $24


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches 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, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Winston-Salem. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Winston-Salem. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Winston-Salem. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg 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, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Winston-Salem. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

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

Both Winston-Salem and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)