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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine?

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.

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

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, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine is $192. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine


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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Portland, Maine $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:

  • Hot Springs Resorts to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Transfer: $142
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine $48

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Portland, Maine $39

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 Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
  • Walking Tour Audio Guide: $8.49
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
  • Portland: Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
  • Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $32
  • Sightseeing Trolley Tour with a Guide: $33
  • Peek at Portland Sightseeing Trolley Tour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Portland, Maine. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In July, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Portland, Maine. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hot Springs is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Hot Springs during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Portland, Maine. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)