A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Nantucket? 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.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

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

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.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Evening events are notable in both Winston-Salem and Nantucket.

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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Winston-Salem or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

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

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

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.

Is Winston-Salem or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Nantucket?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Winston-Salem is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

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

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Nantucket?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winston-Salem. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Nantucket?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, Nantucket 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 Nantucket is $350. 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 Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Nantucket

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


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 Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Nantucket $47

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

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Nantucket $34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Nantucket $35


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Nantucket?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Nantucket. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

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

Both Nantucket and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In October, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

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

Both Nantucket and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. Winston-Salem is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Nantucket. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)