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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Arlington?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Arlington? 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.

Winston-Salem

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

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arlington. Although Winston-Salem and Arlington are popular destinations, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights. Arlington is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Arlington 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.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Arlington 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 Arlington is an experience not to be missed. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Winston-Salem or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

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

Arlington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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 Winston-Salem or Arlington Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Arlington?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Both Winston-Salem and Arlington are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arlington. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Winston-Salem or Arlington Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Arlington.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Arlington is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Winston-Salem or Arlington Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

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

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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 Winston-Salem or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Arlington is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arlington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Arlington Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Arlington is notable for students. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

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.

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

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Arlington is renowned for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Winston-Salem or Arlington a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Arlington

Arlington is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winston-Salem. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the international destination of Arlington. 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.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Arlington?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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


Five days in Winston-Salem or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational destination of Arlington. 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Arlington?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Winston-Salem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $264. 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 Winston-Salem and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Arlington? 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 Winston-Salem


Hotels in Arlington


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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

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

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $42
    Arlington $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Arlington $11

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
    Winston-Salem $24
    Arlington $17


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Arlington?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Arlington, 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 Winston-Salem or Arlington?

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 Winston-Salem or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Arlington. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


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

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

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Arlington. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

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

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


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

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

Both Arlington and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


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

Typical Weather for Arlington and Winston-Salem

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