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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Big Sur? 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 Big Sur?

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.

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

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.

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

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 Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hot Springs or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Big Sur. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hot Springs or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hot Springs or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hot Springs or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Big Sur. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Hot Springs