A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hot Springs vs. Islamorada for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hot Springs or Islamorada?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hot Springs or Islamorada? 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 Islamorada?

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.

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Islamorada or Hot Springs?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Islamorada is $145. 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 Islamorada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Islamorada $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Islamorada $158
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Islamorada

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Islamorada? 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.

Hotels in Hot Springs


Hotels in Islamorada


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 Islamorada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Islamorada $28

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Islamorada?

Prices for flights to both Islamorada 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hot Springs $52
    Islamorada $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Islamorada $19

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 Islamorada

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.

  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure from Cheeca Spa: $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Islamorada $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Islamorada, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Hot Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hot Springs than you might in Islamorada.

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 Islamorada Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Islamorada?

Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

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 Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Islamorada. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. 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 Islamorada. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in July than Islamorada. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Islamorada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Islamorada averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. In October, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Islamorada. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in January than Islamorada. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Islamorada. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

Hot Springs is cooler than Islamorada in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 326 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 Islamorada. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Islamorada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)