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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Sarasota?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota?

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.

Sarasota

Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.

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, Sarasota 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 Sarasota is $249. 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 Sarasota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Sarasota $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Sarasota

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota


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 Sarasota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Sarasota -

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: $143
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Sarasota?

Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $137

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
  • Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
  • Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Sarasota $11

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 Sarasota

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.

  • Sarasota Art Crawl Trolley Tour: $14
  • Palmetto: Haunted History Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Robinson Preserve Nature Walk Eco Tour: $40
  • Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour: $50
  • Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
  • Sharkey's Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour in Sarasota: $55
  • 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • Siesta Key Kayak Tour : $57
  • Kayak Paddling Experience at The Bay Park: $58
  • Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour: $59
  • Siesta Key Guided Eco Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Sarasota -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Sarasota?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Sarasota. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Sarasota averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the summer, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarasota. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Sarasota. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In October, Hot Springs is generally cooler than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hot Springs in the winter. Hot Springs is much colder than Sarasota in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in January than Sarasota. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Sarasota. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Hot Springs is cooler than Sarasota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Sarasota averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Sarasota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)