Which place is cheaper, Destin or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Destin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Destin? 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 Destin?
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.
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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 $182Destin $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Destin is $192. 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 Destin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Destin $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Destin
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Destin? 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 Destin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Destin $50
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Destin?
Prices for flights to both Destin 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 $52Destin $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Destin $17
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 Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Flippers Adventures Dolphin Cruise: $25
- Dolphin & Sunset Cruises: $32
- Spectacular Sunset Cruise: $33
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Guided Sunset Cruise Up to 22 Passengers in Florida: $35
- Kayak Adventure in Destin and Fort Walton Beach : $35
- Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
- Family Friendly Snorkeling and Dolphin Tour: $40
- Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $40
- Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
- Fort Walton Beach: Fireworks Cruise on the Emerald Coast: $40
- Fireworks Cruise on the Emerald Coast: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Destin $49
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Destin, we can see that Destin 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 Destin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Destin?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Destin, 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 Destin?
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 Destin in the Summer?
Both Destin and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Destin in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Destin fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Destin. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Destin 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Destin in the Autumn?
Both Destin and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Destin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Destin averages at about 69°F (21°C).
Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Destin. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Destin 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Destin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Destin. Also, most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Destin. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Destin. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Destin 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Destin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Destin. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Destin in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Destin. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Destin 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Destin and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Destin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.