A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salt Lake City vs. Winnipeg for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Salt Lake City and Winnipeg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and hiking. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Salt Lake City and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

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
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salt Lake City than Winnipeg. While Winnipeg is larger than Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salt Lake City is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking, while Winnipeg is known for its nightlife. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also home to Temple Square. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Salt Lake City different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winnipeg and Salt Lake City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Winnipeg and Salt Lake City.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Winnipeg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.


Is the Food Better in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Foodies will find both Salt Lake City and Winnipeg both to be good destinations.

Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Winnipeg offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Salt Lake City or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

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 Salt Lake City or Winnipeg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Salt Lake City or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for hiking. However, Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Salt Lake City and Winnipeg.

Salt Lake City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Winnipeg is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Salt Lake City or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Salt Lake City or Winnipeg.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Winnipeg. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.


Is Salt Lake City or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Both Salt Lake City and Winnipeg are good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Winnipeg is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Salt Lake City or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Winnipeg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Salt Lake City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.


Is Salt Lake City or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Salt Lake City
Winnipeg

Salt Lake City and Winnipeg are decent when it comes to walkability.

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.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Salt Lake City?

How long in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Salt Lake City or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Salt Lake City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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


  • How many days in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Salt Lake City 2-3 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

The city of Salt Lake City offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Winnipeg, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Salt Lake City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Salt Lake City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Winnipeg 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.


Five days in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Salt Lake City is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Salt Lake City is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Winnipeg. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Salt Lake City?

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

  • Salt Lake City Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Salt Lake City $282
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Salt Lake City is $282, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Salt Lake City and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salt Lake City $119
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salt Lake City $238
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Salt Lake City and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Salt Lake City or Winnipeg? 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 Salt Lake City


Hotels in Winnipeg


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: Salt Lake City Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

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

  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $286
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $286
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $132
  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer: Hotels to SLC Airport: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City $86
    Winnipeg $9.33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salt Lake City $28
    Winnipeg $2.52

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:

  • 4-Day Yellowstone&Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City: $1,348
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $39
  • 8-Day Tour: LA, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone & Las Vegas: $1,399
  • Antelope Island Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Adventure: $99
  • Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure: $149
  • From 6-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour: $3,884
  • From Bonneville Salt Flats Guided Tour: $149
  • From Private Goblin Valley State Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Yellowstone & Grand Teton 5-Day Tour: $1,368
  • From Salt Lake Private Experience to Bonneville Salt Flats: $179
  • Gourmet Dining Experience : $215
  • Grand Teton,Yellowstone National Park 3-Day Tour from SLC: $1,016

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salt Lake City $17
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Salt Lake City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salt Lake City:

  • Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour: $20


When comparing the travel costs between Salt Lake City and Winnipeg, we can see that Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salt Lake City or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Salt Lake City. When comparing the sizes of Salt Lake City and Winnipeg, 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.

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