A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Winston-Salem for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Saint Augustine different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem and Saint Augustine. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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 Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Saint Augustine is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Winston-Salem has a few options to choose from. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town charm. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is notable 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.

Saint Augustine is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is popular with students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.


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

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Winston-Salem.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Winston-Salem

Saint Augustine is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Augustine than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The under-rated destination of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the notable destination of Saint Augustine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Winston-Salem $181

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, 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 Saint Augustine and Winston-Salem in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Winston-Salem $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Winston-Salem $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic St Augustine Audio Self Guided App GPS Tour: $9.75
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • St. Augustine City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine: $18
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $19
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Walking Guided History Tour of Old St. Augustine: $25
  • Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25
  • Guardian Angels of St. Augustine Walking Tour: $27
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine: $29

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
    Saint Augustine $25
    Winston-Salem $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Winston-Salem. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Winston-Salem. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the shopping scene.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Winston-Salem. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

Both Winston-Salem and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year.

It's quite cold in Winston-Salem in the winter. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winston-Salem. Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

Both Winston-Salem and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Winston-Salem. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)