Which place is cheaper, Boston or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Boston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Boston? 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 Boston?
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $182Boston $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Boston $166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Boston
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Boston? 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 Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Boston $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71
- Hot Springs Resorts to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Transfer: $142
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
- Cruiseport Boston to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Downtown to Boston Airport (BOS): $69
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Airport (BOS) to City Downtown: $69
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
- Departure Private Transfer Boston to Boston Airport BOS Business-Luxury Vehicle: $84
- Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Boston to Flynn Cruiseport Boston: $116
- Boston hotels to Flynn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $116
- Flynn Cruise Port Boston to Boston hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $116
- Private Transfer Boston Airport BOS to Boston by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston 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 $52Boston $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
- North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $68
- Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
- Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $79
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $89
- Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
- Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
- Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Boston $33
Tours and Activities in Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs, AR: Magic Springs Theme & Water Park Ticket: $44
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
- Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
- Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
- App Self-guided tours with Audioguide Boston: $6.42
- Boston History and Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Charlestown: Bunker Hill Monument Self-Guide Walking Tour: $7.99
- City History and Highlights Audio App Walking Tour: $7.99
- Harborwalk and Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.49
- Civil War and Abolition: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Boston: $8.99
- Ghost-Themed Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Boston $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
- Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Hot Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hot Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hot Springs 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Hot Springs.
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 Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Boston?
Boston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Boston, 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 Boston?
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 Boston in the Summer?
Both Boston and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Hot Springs is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Boston during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Boston. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Boston in the Autumn?
Both Boston and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Boston. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Boston. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Boston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Boston. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. It's quite cold in Hot Springs in the winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Boston during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Boston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Boston. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Hot Springs is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. 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 Boston. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Boston. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.