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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or El Paso?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or El Paso? 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

El Paso

El Paso is a undiscovered, laid-back, and low-key city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See El Paso travel costs.

Winston-Salem and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or El Paso?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Winston-Salem than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem has more sights and attractions for tourists. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. Also, Winston-Salem is famous for Old Salem. El Paso is well known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Winston-Salem different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between El Paso 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 El Paso?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or El Paso.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. 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.

El Paso is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.


Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

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

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 El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Winston-Salem or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Evening events are notable in both Winston-Salem and El Paso.

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 El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Winston-Salem or El Paso Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town. However, El Paso does not have a historic old town.

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.

El Paso does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or El Paso?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Both Winston-Salem and El Paso 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 El Paso. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is Winston-Salem or El Paso Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or El Paso.

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

El Paso is a family-friendly city. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Winston-Salem or El Paso Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Most people don't think of either Winston-Salem or El Paso as a couple's destination.

Winston-Salem is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

El Paso is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.


Is Winston-Salem or El Paso Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Winston-Salem is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, El Paso is not popular with students.

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

El Paso is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Both Winston-Salem and El Paso 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 El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is Winston-Salem or El Paso a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
El Paso

Winston-Salem and El Paso 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.

El Paso is generally not a very walkable city. You really need a car to get around town.


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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Winston-Salem or El Paso to fill your time. In our opinion, Winston-Salem has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Winston-Salem than El Paso. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in El Paso 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 El Paso.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or El Paso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    El Paso 1-2

One day in Winston-Salem or El Paso?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of El Paso. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or El Paso?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. 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 El Paso?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back destination of El Paso. 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 El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of El Paso. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, El Paso or Winston-Salem?

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

  • Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
    El Paso Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Winston-Salem $181
    El Paso $200

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $181, while the average daily cost in El Paso is $200. 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 El Paso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    El Paso $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    El Paso $162
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and El Paso

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or El Paso? 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 El Paso


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 El Paso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    El Paso $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

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

  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $67
  • El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or El Paso?

Prices for flights to both El Paso 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 $73
    El Paso $93

Typical Food Prices in El Paso

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


  • Rudy's BBQ (family of 4)
    $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    El Paso $27

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

Tours and Activities in El Paso

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

  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $24
  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $26
  • Texas and New Mexico Bundle 4 day Self Guided National Park Tours: $40
  • El Paso Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $102
  • Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico: $120
  • Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour: $130
  • Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour: $190
  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $275

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    El Paso $27


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and El Paso, 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.