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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or San Antonio?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or San Antonio? 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 under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a colorful, festive, and fun city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or San Antonio?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Antonio than Winston-Salem. San Antonio is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Antonio is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. Also, San Antonio is famous for The Alamo. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

San Antonio 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.

San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Winston-Salem and San Antonio.

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 San Antonio. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Winston-Salem or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

Evening events are notable in both Winston-Salem and San Antonio.

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 San Antonio. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Winston-Salem or San Antonio Better for Music?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its music scene. However, Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.


Is Winston-Salem or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Winston-Salem and San Antonio.

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.

San Antonio is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or San Antonio?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

Both Winston-Salem and San Antonio are notable 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 San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Winston-Salem or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Winston-Salem does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to San Antonio during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Winston-Salem does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Winston-Salem or San Antonio Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

San Antonio is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Antonio is a very family-friendly destination. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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

Is Winston-Salem or San Antonio Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

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

San Antonio is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

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 San Antonio Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

Winston-Salem and San Antonio are both notable 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 San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.


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

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

Both Winston-Salem and San Antonio offer respectable 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 San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Winston-Salem or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
San Antonio

Winston-Salem and San Antonio both are respectable 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.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or San Antonio?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Antonio 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 San Antonio.


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

One day in Winston-Salem or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Winston-Salem. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the fun destination of San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

The welcoming city of Winston-Salem offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun destination of San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of San Antonio. 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, San Antonio 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 San Antonio is $132. 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 San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    San Antonio $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    San Antonio $138
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and San Antonio

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or San Antonio? 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 San Antonio


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 San Antonio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    San Antonio $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93
  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

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

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    San Antonio $36

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 San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

Here are a few actual costs in San Antonio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Briscoe Western Art Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • The Alamo Exhibit Entry Ticket: $14
  • Witte Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • San Antonio Museum of Art Entry Ticket: $20
  • Tower of the Americas Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience Ticket: $24
  • The Ghosts of San Antonio Walking Tour: $25
  • Historical Ghost Tour: $25
  • San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour: $25
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    San Antonio -

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or San Antonio?

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

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and San Antonio. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and San Antonio averages at about 87°F (31°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

Winston-Salem gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or San Antonio in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as San Antonio. The autumn months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally cooler than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in October than San Antonio. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or San Antonio in the Winter?

Both San Antonio and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Antonio for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Winston-Salem in the winter. Winston-Salem is much colder than San Antonio in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or San Antonio in the Spring?

Both San Antonio and Winston-Salem during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Antonio in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and San Antonio averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than San Antonio. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in April than San Antonio. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem San Antonio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)