A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hot Springs vs. Winston-Salem for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hot Springs or Winston-Salem?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Winston-Salem? 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: Hot Springs or Winston-Salem?

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Hot Springs?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
    Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Winston-Salem $181

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Winston-Salem is $181. 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 Hot Springs and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Winston-Salem? 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 Hot Springs


Hotels in Winston-Salem


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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:

  • Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Hot Springs 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
    Hot Springs $90
    Winston-Salem $73

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in Hot Springs

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

  • Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Old Salem's Ghost Self Guided Outside Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem True Crime Tour: $19
  • Winston Salem African American History Tour: $19
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

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


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


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Winston-Salem, 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 Hot Springs or Winston-Salem?

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 Hot Springs or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year.

In July, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

Both Winston-Salem and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Winston-Salem. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Winston-Salem. Also, many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winston-Salem. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

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

In April, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Winston-Salem. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)