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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Berkeley? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Berkeley: 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


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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berkeley than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berkeley is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights. Berkeley is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also well known for University of California Botanical Garden. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

Berkeley 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.

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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 Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

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

Berkeley has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Berkeley does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Berkeley?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

Berkeley is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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.

Is Winston-Salem or Berkeley Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

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

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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Winston-Salem or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

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

Berkeley is a good city for couples to visit. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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 Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Berkeley Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for 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.

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

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

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

Berkeley has a great public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Berkeley

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

It is easy to get around Berkeley on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berkeley than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Berkeley?

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Winston-Salem is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winston-Salem, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky destination of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Berkeley. 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, Berkeley 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 Berkeley is $190. 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 Berkeley in more detail.



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

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


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 Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $43
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $127
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

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

Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $36

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $16
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

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

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Berkeley?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

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

Both Berkeley and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Berkeley. 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 Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Berkeley. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)