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

Should you visit Tampa or Winston-Salem?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Winston-Salem? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Winston-Salem

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

Tampa and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tampa than Winston-Salem. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tampa is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also well known for Busch Gardens. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Tampa different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tampa
Winston-Salem

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

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Winston-Salem offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Tampa or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Winston-Salem Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Tampa is a moderate city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Tampa or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

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

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

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

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Winston-Salem?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Winston-Salem has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Tampa or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Tampa 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.

Tampa is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Neither Tampa or Winston-Salem is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Tampa is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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 Tampa or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Tampa is not popular with students.


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

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Tampa
Winston-Salem

Tampa and Winston-Salem are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

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

How long in Tampa or Winston-Salem?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winston-Salem than Tampa 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 Winston-Salem.


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

One day in Tampa or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the laid-back destination of Tampa. 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 shopping and museums that this under-rated 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 Tampa or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. 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.

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 Tampa or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going destination of Tampa. 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.

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 Tampa or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food around the city of Tampa. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $179, 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 Tampa and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private transfer: From Tampa to airport and vice versa : $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer In Tampa International Airport (TPA) : $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • Private One-way Tampa Airport Transfer To/From Tampa: $46
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Tampa Airport to Tampa Bay Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $51
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port-Departure Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54

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

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Tampa 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
    Tampa $53
    Winston-Salem $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

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

  • Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
  • Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $89

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

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Riverwalk: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.33
  • Smartphone Audio Private Walking Tour in Tampa Riverwalk: $7.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Tampa by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour: $26
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Shared Ybor City Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Sunset and Night Cruises Tour: $30
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • The Official Downtown Tampa Ghost Tour: $30
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $31
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31

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
    Tampa $26
    Winston-Salem $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $40


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


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Winston-Salem?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Winston-Salem. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa 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 Tampa this time of the year. In the summer, Tampa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Winston-Salem. Tampa 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
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

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

Both Winston-Salem and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tampa is a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°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 Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

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

Both Winston-Salem and Tampa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in January than Winston-Salem. Tampa 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
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Winston-Salem. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tampa is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°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 Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Tampa

Tampa Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°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 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 68°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)