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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Providence?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Providence? 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.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Winston-Salem. Although Winston-Salem and Providence are roughly the same size, Winston-Salem has more sights and attractions for tourists. Winston-Salem is very popular for its historical sights, while Providence attracts visitors for its food. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. It is also well known for Old Salem. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Winston-Salem different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Providence

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

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.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.


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

Winston-Salem
Providence

Providence 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 Providence is an experience not to be missed. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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 Providence Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Providence

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

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 Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

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

Winston-Salem
Providence

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Providence 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.

Providence does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Providence?

Winston-Salem
Providence

Both Winston-Salem and Providence 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 Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Winston-Salem or Providence Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Providence

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

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.

Providence is a family-friendly city. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Winston-Salem or Providence Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Providence

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

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great 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 Providence Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Providence

Providence is notable for students. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

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.

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

Winston-Salem
Providence

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

Providence has a few public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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 Providence a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Providence

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

Providence is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Providence Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Providence?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Winston-Salem, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winston-Salem, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Providence. 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 Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Winston-Salem, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Winston-Salem, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Providence. 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 Providence?

Winston-Salem is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Providence. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Providence 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 Providence is $210. 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 Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Providence

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


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 Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $275

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

Prices for flights to both Providence 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
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

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

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Providence $26

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 Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Providence $13


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Providence?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Providence, 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 Providence?

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 Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

Both Providence and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


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

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

Both Providence and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. It's quite cold in Winston-Salem in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

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

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


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

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

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


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

Typical Weather for Providence and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Providence
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)