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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Minneapolis? 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative 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 Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Winston-Salem, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Minneapolis is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem is known for its historical sights. Minneapolis is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

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 Minneapolis. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Winston-Salem or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Minneapolis?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

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 Minneapolis Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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 Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Minneapolis?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winston-Salem. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Minneapolis?

The friendly city of Winston-Salem offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic destination of Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Minneapolis. 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, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Minneapolis

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


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137

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

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Minneapolis $27

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 Minneapolis

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

  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $14
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

In Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 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 Minneapolis. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

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

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

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

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

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

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

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

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis this time of year.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)