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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Jacksonville?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jacksonville? 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 Jacksonville?

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.

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

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, Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is $220. 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 Jacksonville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Jacksonville $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Jacksonville $184
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Jacksonville

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Jacksonville? 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 Jacksonville


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 Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Jacksonville $53

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: $143

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Jacksonville?

Prices for flights to both Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Jacksonville $20

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 Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Jacksonville $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


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

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 Jacksonville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

Both Jacksonville and Hot Springs during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the summer, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Jacksonville. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Jacksonville. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

Hot Springs is cooler than Jacksonville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jacksonville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Jacksonville. Also, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hot Springs in the winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is much colder than Jacksonville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jacksonville. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Jacksonville. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jacksonville in the Spring?

Both Jacksonville and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Hot Springs. In April, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Jacksonville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)