Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Winston-Salem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls? 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.
Where Should I go: Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls?
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is a moderately sized city in Forsyth Country, North Carolina. The city has a population of about 360,000 and is located in the central part of the state in the Piedmont Triad. Winston-Salem goes by several nicknames including the "Twin City", the "City of Arts and Innovation" and "Camel City", a reference to the city's history in the tobacco industry. Like several towns in central North Carolina, the city's economy was also once influenced by the furniture industry, although this sector continues to shrink.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWinston-Salem $150Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWinston-Salem $91Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWinston-Salem $182Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls? 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.
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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Winston-Salem $23Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Private Departure Transfer: Niagara Falls, Ontario to Buffalo Niagara International Airport: $87
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $97
- Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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
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Food Meals for one dayWinston-Salem $42Niagara Falls $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Winston-Salem $20Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10
- Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWinston-Salem $24Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Winston-Salem and Niagara Falls, we can see that Winston-Salem is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Winston-Salem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winston-Salem than you might in Niagara Falls.
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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls?
Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWinston-Salem 81°F (27°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
Both Niagara Falls and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year.
Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.
Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWinston-Salem 62°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Niagara Falls. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Niagara Falls can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).
Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWinston-Salem 40°F (4°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Winston-Salem or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Niagara Falls.
In April, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.
Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWinston-Salem 61°F (16°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Winston-Salem
| Winston-Salem | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 61°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.