A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Winston-Salem vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Toronto? 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.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Toronto travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Winston-Salem. Toronto is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights. Toronto is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Toronto

Toronto is renowned 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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 Winston-Salem or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

Toronto 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 Toronto is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

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

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Toronto?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

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

Toronto is a world class destination for shoppers. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail 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 Toronto Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

Toronto 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.

Toronto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Winston-Salem or Toronto Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

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

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

Toronto is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toronto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Toronto Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

Toronto is renowned for students. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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.

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

Winston-Salem
Toronto

Toronto is renowned for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Winston-Salem or Toronto a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Toronto

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

Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Toronto?

Both Winston-Salem and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto 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 Toronto.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Winston-Salem or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto. 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.


Five days in Winston-Salem or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Winston-Salem $181
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $181, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $249. 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 Toronto in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Toronto? 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 Toronto


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 Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Toronto $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.58
  • Private Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $39
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto hotel/address -Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
  • Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotel & Air B&B Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels/Airbnb: $42
  • Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto: $43
  • Private Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Airport (YYZ): $43
  • Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
  • Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
  • Toronto Airport YYZ Roundtrip Transfer to Toronto (Special Offer): $58
  • Sedan Departure Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto 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
    Toronto $112

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

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


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • Toronto's First Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $73
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
  • French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Toronto $31

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.26

Tours and Activities in Toronto

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

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.58
  • Old Town Toronto Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $4.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.40
  • Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.40
  • Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour: $4.44
  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.70
  • Discover Toronto's Waterfront with a Smartphone Trivia Tour!: $8.12
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tours: $8.37
  • Historical Ghost Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Hamilton: $8.99
  • Toronto Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Toronto by 3Quest Challenge: $10

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Toronto Distillery District: Whisky Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Take On Toronto Bar Crawl: $15
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $29
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Toronto?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Toronto. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Toronto. The winter months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Winston-Salem can be very cold. Winston-Salem is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Toronto. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)