Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Charlotte?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlotte? 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 Charlotte?
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.
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
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 $182Charlotte $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Charlotte is $191. 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 Charlotte in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Charlotte $118
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Charlotte
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Charlotte? 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 Charlotte Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Charlotte $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Hot Springs Resorts to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Transfer: $142
- Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
- Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
- Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
- Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Charlotte?
Prices for flights to both Charlotte 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 $52Charlotte $46
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Charlotte $43
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
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Charlotte by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
- Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
- Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN AT SUNDOWN: 1 Hour Guided Arts Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
- Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Charlotte $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
- Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
- Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Charlotte, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Charlotte?
Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?
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 Hot Springs or Charlotte in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Charlotte. Additionally, many travelers come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the summer, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Charlotte. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Charlotte. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Charlotte. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Charlotte 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlotte in the Autumn?
Both Charlotte and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Charlotte during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Charlotte 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlotte in the Winter?
Both Charlotte and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is cooler than Charlotte. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Charlotte averages at about 42°F (6°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Charlotte. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Charlotte. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Charlotte 42°F (6°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlotte in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Charlotte. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the activities around the city.
In April, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Charlotte during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Charlotte 63°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Charlotte and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Charlotte | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.