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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Winston-Salem

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

West Palm Beach and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in West Palm Beach than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is West Palm Beach different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

West Palm Beach is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

West Palm Beach is renowned for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

West Palm Beach is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

West Palm Beach is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

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

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Winston-Salem

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable beach area. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in West Palm Beach than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winston-Salem than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The friendly destination of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. 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. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beach area of West Palm Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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 West Palm Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $330, 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 West Palm Beach and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach


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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $66
    Winston-Salem $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

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

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in West Palm Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Avenue: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Ave: $49
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

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
    West Palm Beach $39
    Winston-Salem $24


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


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem and West Palm Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. West Palm Beach gets 316 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 West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Winston-Salem. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Winston-Salem. Furthermore, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°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 West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Winston-Salem. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. Additionally, 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 the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Winston-Salem. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

Both Winston-Salem and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°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 West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 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 West Palm Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)