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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Dallas?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Dallas? 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 welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Dallas: Pros and Cons

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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Winston-Salem, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dallas is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem is known for its historical sights. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Winston-Salem different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Dallas

Dallas 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.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

Dallas 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 Dallas is an experience not to be missed. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

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

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

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

Many people head to Winston-Salem to see the 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.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Dallas?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

Dallas 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

Dallas 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.

Dallas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

Dallas is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

Winston-Salem is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Winston-Salem
Dallas

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

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Dallas

Winston-Salem and Dallas both are decent 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dallas. 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, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Dallas

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


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano or Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Transfer private executive car from Dallas Airport (DFW)- City Center: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DAL) - City Center: $91

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

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Dallas $13

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 Dallas

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

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine Admission Ticket: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Dallas Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Dallas, 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 Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Dallas. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

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

Both Dallas and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Winston-Salem is cooler than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Dallas. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Dallas. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Dallas. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)