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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Victoria? 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 friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Victoria travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Victoria: 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
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Victoria than Winston-Salem. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Victoria is very popular for its hiking, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights. Victoria is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Victoria

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

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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.


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

Winston-Salem
Victoria

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Victoria.

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 Victoria. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Winston-Salem or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

Evening events are nice in both Winston-Salem and Victoria.

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 Victoria. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Winston-Salem or Victoria Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

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

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.


Is Winston-Salem or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Victoria?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

Both Winston-Salem and Victoria are nice 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 Victoria. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Winston-Salem or Victoria Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

Victoria 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.

Victoria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

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 Victoria Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

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

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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 Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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 Victoria Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not popular with students.


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

Winston-Salem
Victoria

Both Winston-Salem and Victoria offer reasonable 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 Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Winston-Salem or Victoria a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Victoria

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

Victoria is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Victoria?

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Winston-Salem 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

Winston-Salem 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Victoria. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria 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
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Winston-Salem $181
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $181, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $201. 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 Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Victoria

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


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 Victoria Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682

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

Prices for flights to both Victoria 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
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria

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

  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $86
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $88
  • Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $100
  • Indulge in a Wine & Food Tour - Cowichan Valley : $125
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $144
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Victoria $45

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 Victoria

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

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour: $5.02
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Chinatown Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Royal B.C. Museum in Full-Day Admission Ticket: $21
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $24
  • Malahat SkyWalk Tickets: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Victoria:

  • Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery: $21
  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $52
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $86
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $118
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $126
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $132
  • Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour : $144
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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 Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Victoria. The autumn months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Victoria. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Victoria. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. It's quite cold in Winston-Salem in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally cooler than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

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

Both Victoria and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Victoria. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)