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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Detroit? 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem and Detroit: 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 Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit than Winston-Salem, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Detroit is more popular for its nightlife, music, 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. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Winston-Salem different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Detroit

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

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.

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.


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

Winston-Salem
Detroit

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Detroit.

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 Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Winston-Salem or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Detroit

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

Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

Winston-Salem
Detroit

Detroit is renowned for its music scene. However, Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.


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

Winston-Salem
Detroit

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Winston-Salem. 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.

Detroit does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Detroit?

Winston-Salem
Detroit

Both Winston-Salem and Detroit are good 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 Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Winston-Salem or Detroit Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Detroit

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

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.

Detroit is a family-friendly city. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.


Is Winston-Salem or Detroit Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Detroit

Most people don't think of either Winston-Salem or Detroit 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.

Detroit is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Winston-Salem or Detroit Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Detroit

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

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Detroit

Both Winston-Salem and Detroit offer decent 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.


Is Winston-Salem or Detroit a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Detroit

Detroit is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Detroit?

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Detroit?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Detroit?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Don't miss the live music, 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 Detroit?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Detroit. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit 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 Detroit is $133. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Detroit

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


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $100
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $131
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $143
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $143
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $189

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

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

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

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Detroit $21

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 Detroit

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

  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $6.64
  • Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $11
  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket: $23
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Detroit $20


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit 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 Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Detroit, 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 Detroit. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 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 Detroit. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

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

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

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Detroit. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Detroit. 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 Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

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

Both Detroit and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)