Which place is cheaper, Atlanta 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.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Atlanta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Atlanta? 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 Atlanta?
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.
Atlanta
Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.
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.
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Hot Springs Prices
USA PricesAtlanta Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Atlanta $204
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Atlanta is $204. 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 Atlanta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Atlanta $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Atlanta $180
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Atlanta
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Atlanta? 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 Atlanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Atlanta $44
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: $126
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:
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MARTA Subway Ticket$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta
Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City: $38
- Round Trip Private Transfer from Atlanta Airport to your Hotel : $40
- Atlanta to Atlanta Airport (ATL) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
- Atlanta International Airport: Transfer to Atlanta City: $70
- Private One-way Transfer from Atlanta Airport to Atlanta: $83
- Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta by Business Car: $131
- Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Sedan Car: $131
- Arrival Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta in Sedan Car: $131
- Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL by SUV: $139
- Land transfer limo suv sedan vans : $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Atlanta?
Prices for flights to both Atlanta 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 $90Atlanta $74
Typical Food Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)$15
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Lunch$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta
For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $65
- City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $69
- City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $69
- Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
- Macaron Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Atlanta: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Atlanta: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class With a Local Chef: $75
- Atlanta : 2-Hour Gnocchi Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
- Walking Food Tour: $106
- Private Atlanta Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Naina: $139
- Prohibition Themed Downtown Atlanta Progressive Dinner: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Atlanta $56
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: $17
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Tours and Activities in Atlanta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.
- App-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket: $22
- Selma in Atlanta Tour: $25
- World of Coca-Cola General Admission Ticket: $25
- World of Coca-Cola General Admission Ticket: $25
- The Burning & the Bound: Grievous Ghost Tour of Atlanta: $27
- Axe Throwing Experience: $29
- Ponce City Market Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Midtown Walking Tour on Women's History: $30
- LEGO® Discovery Center Admission Ticket: $30
- The Burning & the Bound: Grievous Ghost Tour of Atlanta: $32
- Sloomoo Institute Admission Ticket: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Atlanta $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:
- Atlanta's Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
- Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $130
- North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $144
- North Georgia Mountains TWO Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $155
- Elijay Hike w/ Waterfall & Wine Tasting Private Tour from ATL: $230
- Georgia Vineyards Wine Tour: $2,300
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Atlanta?
Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?
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 Atlanta in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Atlanta. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Atlanta. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Atlanta 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Atlanta in the Autumn?
Both Atlanta and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Atlanta 66°F (19°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Atlanta in the Winter?
Both Atlanta and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.
Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Atlanta 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Atlanta in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Atlanta. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.
In April, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Atlanta 65°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Atlanta and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Atlanta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 4.4 inches (111 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.