A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Winston-Salem for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

Where Should I go: Washington or Winston-Salem?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a moderately sized city in Forsyth Country, North Carolina. The city has a population of about 360,000 and is located in the central part of the state in the Piedmont Triad. Winston-Salem goes by several nicknames including the "Twin City", the "City of Arts and Innovation" and "Camel City", a reference to the city's history in the tobacco industry. Like several towns in central North Carolina, the city's economy was also once influenced by the furniture industry, although this sector continues to shrink.

Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, 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 Washington and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $113
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $226
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Washington and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $47
    Winston-Salem $23
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

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


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $4.99
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $43
  • Private Departure Transfer to Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $43
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Washington to Ronald Reagan Airport: $53
  • Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Washington to Washington Airport (DCA) Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Washington Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Washington Dulles Airport IAD: $64

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

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Washington 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
    Washington $38
    Winston-Salem $42
Typical Food prices in Washington

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


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
  • Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $74
  • Capitol Hill Food Tour: $75
  • Gastronomic Georgetown Food Tour: $80
  • Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $84
  • Washington DC Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Washington,DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $113
  • Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $24
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • Georgetown Glow Public Art Tour: $5.00
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.48
  • Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
  • Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Lincoln's Assassination: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
  • Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Lincoln's Assassination: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington D.C Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00

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
    Washington $19
    Winston-Salem $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $35
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $42
  • Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $220
  • Private Loudoun County Wine Tour from DC with Stops at 3 Wineries: $495
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $799


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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Winston-Salem?

Washington is bigger, and its population is about 2.9 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the population of Washington vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Washington 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 Washington or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°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 Washington. In the summer, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Washington gets 278 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. Washington usually gets less rain in July than Winston-Salem. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Winston-Salem. The autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Washington is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°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. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winston-Salem. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Winston-Salem. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than Winston-Salem. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in January than Winston-Salem. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

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

Both Winston-Salem and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally cooler than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°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 Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Winston-Salem during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Washington

Washington Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Washington vs. Winston-Salem Travel Comparison

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