Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Anchorage? 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.
Where Should I go: Hot Springs or Anchorage?
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Hot Springs Prices
USA PricesAnchorage Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Anchorage $228
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Hot Springs and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Anchorage? 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.
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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- One Way Private Transfer: $10
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $75
- ANC Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Hot Springs 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
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Food Meals for one dayHot Springs $90Anchorage $87
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage's Winter City Tour = Samples + Stops + WildLife: $59
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $59
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Alaska: Ladies Only Snowshoe Adventure: $75
- Anchorage to Whittier Wildlife Adventure: $79
- Downtown Anchorage Tour on 14-Passenger Electric Vehicle: $100
- Anchorage's Authentic Dog Sledding Experience: $105
- Alaska Wildlife Center and Turnagain Arm Tour w/Alyeska Tram: $109
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $310
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Hot Springs Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Anchorage, 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 Hot Springs or Anchorage?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hot Springs or Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Hot Springs is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the autumn, Hot Springs is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Anchorage. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Hot Springs can be very cold. In January, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Anchorage. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Hot Springs is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.