A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Winston-Salem vs. Toronto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Toronto? 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.

Where Should I go: Winston-Salem or Toronto?

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a moderately sized city in Forsyth Country, North Carolina. The city has a population of about 360,000 and is located in the central part of the state in the Piedmont Triad. Winston-Salem goes by several nicknames including the "Twin City", the "City of Arts and Innovation" and "Camel City", a reference to the city's history in the tobacco industry. Like several towns in central North Carolina, the city's economy was also once influenced by the furniture industry, although this sector continues to shrink.

Toronto

The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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 Toronto is $203. 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 Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Toronto

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


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 Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Toronto $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
  • Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
  • One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer-Toronto to Pearson Airport(YYZ) or YTZ: $41
  • Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels: $42
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto hotel/address -Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
  • Private Arrival Transfer - YYZ Airport to Toronto Downton Hotel & Accommodations: $73
  • Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Oakville City Ontario: $74

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

Prices for flights to both Toronto 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
    Toronto $65

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

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

  • Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
  • Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
  • 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
  • Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
  • Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
  • Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
  • Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
  • Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
  • Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Toronto $31

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.26

Tours and Activities in Toronto

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

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
  • Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.28
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
  • Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
  • Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
  • Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
  • Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
  • Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
  • Craft Brewery Tour: $75
  • From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
  • Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
  • Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Toronto. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Toronto. The winter months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Winston-Salem can be very cold. Winston-Salem is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

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

Both Toronto and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)