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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Cleveland? 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 under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Cleveland than Winston-Salem. Cleveland is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cleveland is better known for its museums and music, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its food and historical sights. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. Also, Cleveland is famous for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Winston-Salem different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Cleveland 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.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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 Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Winston-Salem or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Evening events are notable in both Winston-Salem and Cleveland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Winston-Salem or Cleveland Better for Music?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Cleveland is notable for its music scene. However, Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.


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

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

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

Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Cleveland?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Both Winston-Salem and Cleveland are notable 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 Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Winston-Salem or Cleveland Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

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

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.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.


Is Winston-Salem or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Most people don't think of either Winston-Salem or Cleveland as a couple's destination.

Winston-Salem is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Cleveland is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Winston-Salem or Cleveland Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Both Winston-Salem and Cleveland offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.


Is Winston-Salem or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Cleveland

Winston-Salem and Cleveland both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Cleveland?

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

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

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

One day in Winston-Salem or Cleveland?

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 diverse destination of Cleveland. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

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 live music when visiting the authentic destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

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 live music and shopping around the city of Cleveland. 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, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Cleveland

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


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 Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Cleveland $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

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


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178

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

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

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

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Cleveland $40

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

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle: $25
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Cleveland, we can see that Winston-Salem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Cleveland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets less sunshine than Cleveland. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

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

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

In October, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

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

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

The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

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

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

In the spring, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)