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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Newport?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Newport? 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 friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem and Newport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Winston-Salem and Newport are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Newport

Newport 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.

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Newport

Newport 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 Newport is an experience not to be missed. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Newport

Evening events are nice in both Winston-Salem and Newport.

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 Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Winston-Salem or Newport Better for Beaches?

Winston-Salem
Newport

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

Newport is considered a top beach destination. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.


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

Winston-Salem
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

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 the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Newport?

Winston-Salem
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Newport

Newport 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.

Newport is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Newport

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

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Newport

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

Newport is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Newport

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

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Newport

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Newport?

In either Winston-Salem or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport 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 Newport.

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Newport?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Newport. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Newport?

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 Newport. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Newport?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Newport. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Newport?

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 town of Newport. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Newport

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


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Newport $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

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

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88

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

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Newport $17

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 Newport

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

  • Downtown Historic Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Newport Downtown Historic Audio APP Self Guided Smart Phone Tour: $6.75
  • Newport Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport's Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Newport $14


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Newport, we can see that Newport 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 Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Newport?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 293 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 Newport. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Newport. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Newport. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

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

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Newport. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in January than Newport. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

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

Both Newport and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Newport during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Newport. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)