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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City? 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.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem and Salt Lake City: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Winston-Salem and Salt Lake City are popular destinations, Salt Lake City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salt Lake City is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its nightlife and historical sights. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also well known for Temple Square. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

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

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 Salt Lake City. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Winston-Salem is very good for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

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

Salt Lake City is a good destination for hiking. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Both Winston-Salem and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.


Is Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City.

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.

Salt Lake City is a family-friendly city. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Salt Lake City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

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 Salt Lake City Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Winston-Salem is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is not popular with students.


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

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

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

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Salt Lake City

Winston-Salem and Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the notable destination of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the religious destination of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Winston-Salem. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Salt Lake City. 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, Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City is $246. 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 Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City? 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 Salt Lake City


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 Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Salt Lake City $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36
  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $106
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : $106
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Arrival Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $119
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City : $119
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City UT - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $180
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Transfer to Salt Lake City: $200
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Round-Trip Transfer: $228
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $259

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Salt Lake City $28

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 Salt Lake City

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

  • Mormon History - Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mormon History Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio app Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Salt Lake City by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Salt Lake City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Salt Lake City & La Sal: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tour: $20
  • Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Tour: $23
  • Salt Lake City Ghost Tour: Outer Reaches Tour: $23
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $37
  • History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour: $50
  • Salt Lake City Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Salt Lake City $17


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?

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