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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Moab?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Moab? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and hiking.

Winston-Salem and Moab: 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
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Moab is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Also, Moab is famous for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Moab

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.


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

Winston-Salem
Moab

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

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 Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Winston-Salem or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Moab

Winston-Salem is a popular place for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Winston-Salem has a few options to choose from. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

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

Winston-Salem
Moab

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Moab 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.

Moab does not have a historic old town.


Is Winston-Salem or Moab Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Moab

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

People visit Moab specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Moab?

Winston-Salem
Moab

Both Winston-Salem and Moab 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 Moab. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Is Winston-Salem or Moab Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Moab

Moab 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.

Moab is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

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 Moab Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Moab

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

Moab is a very popular place to visit for couples. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

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 Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Moab

Moab is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Moab is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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 Moab Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Moab

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

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

Moab is not popular with students.


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

Winston-Salem
Moab

Winston-Salem is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Winston-Salem or Moab a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Moab

Winston-Salem and Moab 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.

Moab is generally not a very walkable city. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

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

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Moab?

In either Winston-Salem or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Winston-Salem because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

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


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Winston-Salem or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Moab. 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 Moab?

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Moab. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Winston-Salem or Moab?

The under-rated city of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find shopping and food around the beautiful town of Moab. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Moab 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 Moab is $388. 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 Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Moab

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


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 Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Moab $17

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

Prices for flights to both Moab 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
    Moab $37

Typical Food Prices in Moab

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Moab:


  • Moab Brewery
    $42
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moab

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

  • Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show: $99
  • Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Moab $3.13

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Moab

For Moab, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Slickrock Trail Pass
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Moab

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Moab.

  • La Sal Mountain Loop: Scenic Self-Driving App Tour: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive: Half-Day Audio Driving Private Tour : $8.99
  • Canyonlands National Park: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Arches National Park: Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain: Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • Canyonlands National Park Self-Driving Tour: $13
  • La Sal Mountain Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Arches National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Self Guided Audio Tour in Arches and Canyonlands: $17
  • Canyonlands National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Discover Arches, Canyonlands and La Sal Self-Guided Audio Driving Tours: $19
  • Explore Arches, Canyonlands & La Sal Audio Tour Guide: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Moab $66


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Moab?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Moab, 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.