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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Ocean City?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Ocean City? 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 Ocean City?

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.

Ocean City

One of the most popular vacation areas of the U.S. east coast, Ocean City is a long-time resort town, taking roots as a getaway when the first beach-front cottage was built in 1869. The destination sits on a strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay. The Atlantic Hotel was the first major hotel, built in 1875 and still in business today. It has been family owned and operated since Charles W. Purnell bought it in 1923.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Ocean City or Hot Springs?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
    Ocean City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Ocean City $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Ocean City is $196. 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 Ocean City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Ocean City $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Ocean City $166
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Ocean City

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Ocean City? 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 Ocean City


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 Ocean City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Ocean City $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:

  • Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Ocean City?

Prices for flights to both Ocean City 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 $90
    Ocean City $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Ocean City $18

Tours and Activities in Hot Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:

  • Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Ocean City $14


When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Ocean City, we can see that Hot Springs 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 Ocean City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Ocean City?

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

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 Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In July, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Ocean City 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene.

Hot Springs is a little warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ocean City. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Ocean City 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Ocean City. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Ocean City 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Ocean City. Additionally, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

In April, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Ocean City. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Ocean City 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Ocean City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)