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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Williamsburg? 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 Williamsburg?

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.

Williamsburg

In southeast Virginia, Williamsburg is a historic city that was the capital of Virginia during the 1700's. It's now a popular tourist destination in the state because it has managed to recreate its past in a theme park like setting. Perhaps the most famous attraction in the city is "Colonial Williamsburg," an outdoor museum that recreates an 18th century town with working tradesmen and functioning jobs. You can purchase a one day pass to the area for $36 and multiple day passes at a slight discount. Exhibits in the area include observing a court proceeding, seeing the Governor's Palace, and witnessing the impact of the American Revolution on the area.

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, Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg is $112. 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 Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Williamsburg? 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 Williamsburg


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 Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Williamsburg $11

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Williamsburg $34

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 Williamsburg

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Williamsburg West Tour: $15
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Williamsburg East Ghost Tour: $16
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour: $20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Williamsburg, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Hot Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hot Springs than you might in Williamsburg.

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Williamsburg?

Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Williamsburg. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Williamsburg. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Hot Springs is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Williamsburg. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. It's quite cold in Hot Springs in the winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Hot Springs during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 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 Williamsburg. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)