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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs?

You'll generally find more things to do in Colorado Springs than Winston-Salem. Colorado Springs is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Colorado Springs is better known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. Also, Colorado Springs is famous for Pikes Peak.

How is Winston-Salem different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. 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.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Colorado Springs. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs.

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 Colorado Springs. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical 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.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs?

Winston-Salem is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Winston-Salem is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. 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 Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

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

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Plenty of students visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

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

Winston-Salem is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs.

One day in Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Colorado Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Winston-Salem. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Colorado Springs?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town 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 Colorado Springs?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs?

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 Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Colorado Springs. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Winston-Salem gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. Winston-Salem is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Winston-Salem during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Winston-Salem