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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Beaufort? 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 Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort

The second oldest city in South Carolina (next to Charleston), Beaufort was charted in 1711 and grew from a shipbuilding community to a slave society of elite planters and finally to the small southern town as it sits today. Beaufort's historic character and architecture has made it a popular tourist destination with much to offer in sightseeing, seaside activities, and maritime history.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaufort 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.

  • Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaufort Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Beaufort $154

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Beaufort is $154. 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 Beaufort in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Beaufort? 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 Beaufort


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 Beaufort Hotel Prices.

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Beaufort?

Prices for flights to both Beaufort 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 $90
    Beaufort $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Beaufort -

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 Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $37
  • Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $38
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $48
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $52
  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $59

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Beaufort, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Beaufort.

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 Beaufort Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Beaufort?

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

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 Beaufort in the Summer?

Both Beaufort and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Beaufort during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Beaufort. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Beaufort in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Beaufort. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Beaufort during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Beaufort. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Beaufort. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Beaufort. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Beaufort. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Beaufort
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 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 (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)