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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Phoenix?

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

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

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem and Phoenix: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


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

Both Phoenix and Winston-Salem have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Winston-Salem is very popular for its historical sights, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Winston-Salem different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

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

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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.


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

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

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

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 Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Winston-Salem or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

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

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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.


Is Winston-Salem or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

Phoenix is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Phoenix?

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

Both Winston-Salem and Phoenix are nice 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 Phoenix. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Winston-Salem or Phoenix Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Phoenix.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Phoenix is a family-friendly city. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.


Is Winston-Salem or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

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

Phoenix is a good city for couples to visit. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic 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 Phoenix Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

Both Winston-Salem and Phoenix offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.


Is Winston-Salem or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Phoenix

Winston-Salem and Phoenix both are reasonable 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.

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phoenix than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Phoenix? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Phoenix 1-3

One day in Winston-Salem or Phoenix?

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 desert destination of Phoenix. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sprawling destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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 city of Phoenix. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Phoenix

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


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $96
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $149

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

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

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


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Phoenix $40

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 Phoenix

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

  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $19
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game Ticket: $28
  • Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
  • Urban Adventure Quest Scavenger Hunt in Phoenix: $44
  • Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour via Smartphone: $49
  • Phoenix Suns Basketball Game Ticket: $55
  • Phoenix Suns Basketball Game Ticket at Footprint Center: $56
  • Discover Phoenix! City Tour: $65
  • Gold Rush - Guided Hiking & Gold Panning Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Verde Valley Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix/Tempe: $199
  • Haunted Jerome Wine & Brewery tasting from Scottsdale: $225
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Phoenix?

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

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Winston-Salem is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

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

Both Phoenix and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

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

Both Phoenix and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The weather in Winston-Salem can be very cold. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Phoenix.

Winston-Salem is cooler than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)