Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Galveston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Galveston? 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 Galveston?
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.
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
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 $182Galveston $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. 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 Galveston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Galveston $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Galveston
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Galveston? 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 Galveston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Galveston $35
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 Galveston
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
- Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $168
- Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $193
- Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $193
- Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $193
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Galveston?
Prices for flights to both Galveston 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 $52Galveston $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Galveston $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 Galveston
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
- Self-Guided Ghost Tour on the Galveston Strand: $6.75
- Luggage Storage in Cruise Terminal: $8.73
- Unique Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Experience in League City: $10
- Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum Ticket: $15
- Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $16
- Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $16
- Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion: $18
- Galveston Red Light District Tour: $20
- Tour of haunted locations with ghost hunting gear.: $20
- Galveston Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
- Galveston's Flower Winery Tour at the Florvino Winery: $20
- Great! Galveston Ghost Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Galveston $37
Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
- Experience Best the Happy Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Galveston: $20
- Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Galveston, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Galveston?
Galveston has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Galveston, 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 Galveston?
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 Galveston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Galveston. Additionally, many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Galveston averages at about 84°F (29°C).
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in July than Galveston. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Galveston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Galveston in the Autumn?
Both Galveston and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Hot Springs is generally cooler than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Galveston. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Galveston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Galveston in the Winter?
Both Galveston and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Hot Springs is much colder than Galveston in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in January than Galveston. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Galveston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Galveston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Galveston. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm.
In the spring, Hot Springs is cooler than Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Galveston averages at about 70°F (21°C).
Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Galveston. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Galveston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Galveston and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Galveston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 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.