A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Las Vegas? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Winston-Salem. Las Vegas is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights. Las Vegas is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon 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 Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Winston-Salem is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Winston-Salem is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.


Is Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its music scene. However, Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical 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.

Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Las Vegas is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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 Winston-Salem or Las Vegas Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Winston-Salem is a good destination for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Both Winston-Salem and Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Winston-Salem or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

Both Winston-Salem and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winston-Salem. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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, Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Winston-Salem $181
    Las Vegas $369

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $181, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $369. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas


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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Las Vegas $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • LAS Airport Private Transfer to Las Vegas City: $17
  • LAS Airport to Las Vegas Stripe Hotels Shared Transfer: $22
  • Las Vegas Airport (LAS) / Transfer to hotels on the Strip.: $27
  • LAS Airport to Downtown|Strip Hotels Private Transfer: $36
  • Private Transfer to Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $38
  • Private Transfer from Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $38
  • Transfer Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport : $39
  • Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport(LAS) - Departure Private Transfer : $42
  • Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas - Arrival Private Transfer : $42
  • One Way Private Transfer to/from McCarran Airport: $50
  • Manila- Private Airport Transfers (SEDAN): $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Las Vegas Airport: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $139

Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Manila Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $44
  • Cowboy Christmas Show & Dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson NV: $49
  • "Blockbuster Beats" show & dinner at the Firelight Barn: $49
  • "Rockin' Through Time" show & dinner at Firelight Barn: $49
  • "31 String Showdown" show & dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $65
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila Food Tour Experience with Local Guide: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience : $73
  • 2 Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
  • 2-Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Chocolate Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Las Vegas $78

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:

  • Downtown Las Vegas Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $7.75
  • BEEsita Sa Bukid - Guided Bee Farm Tour: $9.81
  • Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Henderson by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Red Rock Canyon Tour Self-Guided Drive Experience: $13
  • Las Vegas Strip Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour : $13
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Fremont Las Vegas Nevada Audio Tour: $15
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Audio Driving Tour: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Red Rock Canyon: $17
  • Skip the Line: Springs Preserve in Las Vegas Admission Ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $35
  • Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $35
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Happy Hour Bar Crawl! Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour: $39
  • Bars Unknown: The Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $53
  • Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Mixed Drinks: $59
  • Vegas Country Bar Crawl: Party Bus & Drinks Included: $59


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Las Vegas, 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.