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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Richmond?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Richmond? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Richmond: Pros and Cons

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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Winston-Salem. Although Winston-Salem and Richmond are about the same size, Winston-Salem has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Winston-Salem is very popular for its historical sights, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums. Richmond is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its cultural and historical sights. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. It is also well known for Old Salem.

How is Winston-Salem different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Richmond

Richmond 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.

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Richmond

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

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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Winston-Salem or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Richmond

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

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 Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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

Winston-Salem
Richmond

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Richmond does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Richmond does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Richmond?

Winston-Salem
Richmond

Both Winston-Salem and Richmond 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 Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is Winston-Salem or Richmond Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Richmond

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

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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Winston-Salem or Richmond Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Richmond

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

Richmond is a good city for couples to visit. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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 Richmond Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Richmond

Winston-Salem and Richmond are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

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

Winston-Salem
Richmond

Both Winston-Salem and Richmond 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Winston-Salem or Richmond a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Winston-Salem or Richmond to fill your time. In our opinion, Richmond has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Richmond than Winston-Salem. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Richmond?

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the growing destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Winston-Salem is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winston-Salem, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Richmond. 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, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Richmond

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


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

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

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Richmond $13

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

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $26
  • Shockoe Bottom Ghost Walking Tour: $30
  • Phantoms of Franklin Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Court End Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Monroe Park Campus Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Church Hill Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown & Capitol Square Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Richmond -

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Richmond?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Richmond. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

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

Both Richmond and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in October than Richmond. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Richmond. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Richmond.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Richmond. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)