Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Palm Springs?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs?
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.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
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 $182Palm Springs $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $206. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Palm Springs $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Palm Springs
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Palm Springs $52
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
- Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
- Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Palm Springs?
Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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 $52Palm Springs $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Palm Springs $29
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 Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Journey into Joshua Tree: Audio Tour + Free Locals Guide!: $12
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Joshua Tree: $13
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- City and Desert App-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $25
- Private 1-Hour Archery Experience around Joshua Tree National Park.: $28
- Self-Driving Windmill Tour: $30
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket: $30
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Palm Springs $13
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?
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 Palm Springs in the Summer?
Both Palm Springs and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Hot Springs is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Palm Springs in the Autumn?
Both Palm Springs and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Palm Springs in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Palm Springs. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Palm Springs in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Palm Springs.
Hot Springs is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Palm Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 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.