Which place is cheaper, Fort Lauderdale or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale? 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 Fort Lauderdale?
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.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.
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 $182Fort Lauderdale $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Fort Lauderdale is $182. 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 Fort Lauderdale in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Fort Lauderdale $96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Fort Lauderdale $192
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Fort Lauderdale
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale? 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 Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Fort Lauderdale $51
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: $143
- Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
- Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Transfer Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) -City: $40
- Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL-Departure Transfer: $40
- Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer : $40
- Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades-Arrival Transfer: $40
- Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
- Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Port Everglades Private Transfer from Weston: $58
- Miami Airport and Seaport Private Transfer (up to 14 passengers): $60
- Fort Lauderdale Airport Private Transfer (Up To 14 Passengers): $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale?
Prices for flights to both Fort Lauderdale 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 $52Fort Lauderdale $49
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
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Quick Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
- Food Tour in Lauderdale By The Sea: $60
- Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $99
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Fort Lauderdale $15
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 Fort Lauderdale
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Audio Walking Tour of Las Olas Riverwalk: $7.31
- Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Self-guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Davie by Crazy Dash: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale: $24
- 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early): $25
- Ghosts and Ghouls Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter: $29
- Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale: $31
- Carrie B Cruises! Beautiful and Fun THE VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!!!: $32
- Millionaire's Homes and Megayachts Cruise: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Fort Lauderdale $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
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Beer$7.30
Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
- Guided Happy Hour Bar Crawl by Beer Bike: $64
- Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $74
- Party Bike Bar Crawl: $74
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Fort Lauderdale, we can see that Hot Springs 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale?
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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Fort Lauderdale. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Fort Lauderdale. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 275 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Fort Lauderdale. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?
Both Fort Lauderdale and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Hot Springs in the winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Fort Lauderdale. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?
Both Fort Lauderdale and Hot Springs during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Hot Springs is cooler than Fort Lauderdale in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Fort Lauderdale. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 300 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Fort Lauderdale. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Fort Lauderdale | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.