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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Jekyll Island?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jekyll Island? 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 Jekyll Island?

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.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island, located just off the coast of the U.S. state of Georgia, has become a popular vacation destination for beach-goers and adventure seekers alike as one of the state's "Golden Isles." The historic district is full of late nineteenth-early twentieth century buildings to explore, and the places left to nature are full of beauty and are inhabited by an array of local wildlife.

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, Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island is $156. 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 Jekyll Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Jekyll Island $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Jekyll Island $176
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Jekyll Island

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Jekyll Island? 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 Jekyll Island


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 Jekyll Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Jekyll Island $41

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Jekyll Island?

Prices for flights to both Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Jekyll Island $10

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Jekyll Island $6.43


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Jekyll Island, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Jekyll Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jekyll Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island.

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 Jekyll Island Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Hot Springs or Jekyll Island?

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 Jekyll Island in the Summer?

Both Jekyll Island and Hot Springs during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Jekyll Island, 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 Jekyll Island. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Jekyll Island. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

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

In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Jekyll Island. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

The weather in Hot Springs can be very cold. In the winter, Hot Springs is much colder than Jekyll Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

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

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. 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 Jekyll Island during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Jekyll Island
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)