Which place is cheaper, Key West or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Key West?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Key West? 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 Key West?
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.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
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 $182Key West $551
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Key West is $551. 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 Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Key West? 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 Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Key West $51
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Private Transfer from Key West Int Airport to Key West Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Key West Cruise Port to Key West hotels: $38
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $64
- Marathon/ Key Largo to Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $129
- Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West 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 $52Key West $385
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner and Drinks Included: $93
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Old Town Secret Food Tour: $107
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
- Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner Cruise & Open Bar: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Key West $33
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 Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- Self-guided old town treasures walking tour: $6.99
- Key West's Self Guided Ghost Walking Tours Smartphone Navigated on WalknTours: $7.75
- Florida Keys: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
- Audio Tours to Walk, Bike, or Drive in Key West: $9.99
- Cruise Through Key West's Black History Audio Tour: $11
- Easy Stroll (or Bike) Through Downtown Key West Audio Tour: $11
- Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Florida: Key West Overseas Highway Self-Driving Tour: $15
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Key West Aquarium Admission Ticket: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Key West $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Key West, we can see that Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Key West?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Key West, 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 Key West?
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 Key West in the Summer?
Both Key West and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Key West averages at about 84°F (29°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Key West during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Key West. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Key West in the Autumn?
Both Key West and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hot Springs is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key West. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.
Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Key West. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Key West in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Key West. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. Hot Springs is much colder than Key West in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives less sunshine than Key West during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Key West. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Key West in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Key West. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Hot Springs is cooler than Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Key West averages at about 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key West. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.