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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Charlottesville?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlottesville? 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 Charlottesville?

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.

Charlottesville

Located in central Virginia, Charlottesville is a little university town steeped in history and culture. Home to Thomas Jefferson, much of the town's architecture is heavily influenced by his hand, while the people scene is full of activities, dining, and entertainment. Many visitors are drawn to the area for the University of Virginia, the Historic Downtown Mall, plus many quaint vineyards and farms in the surrounding countryside.

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, Charlottesville 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
    Charlottesville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Charlottesville $185

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Charlottesville is $185. 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 Charlottesville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Charlottesville $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Charlottesville $160
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Charlottesville

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Charlottesville? 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 Charlottesville


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 Charlottesville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Charlottesville $53

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Charlottesville?

Prices for flights to both Charlottesville 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
    Charlottesville $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

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

  • The Dairy Market Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Charlottesville $18

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 Charlottesville

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

  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Charlottesville Scavenger Hunt Experience: $15
  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24
  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $32
  • Small Group Washington DC to Thomas Jefferson Monticello Day Tour: $180
  • Wine and Culinary Delight Private Tour: $248

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Charlottesville $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

Also in Charlottesville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Family Wine Tour: $85
  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $95
  • 5 Hour Historic Thomas Jefferson Wine Tour: $248
  • Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour: $248


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

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 Charlottesville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Charlottesville?

Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Charlottesville. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Charlottesville. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

In October, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlottesville in the Winter?

Both Charlottesville and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. It's quite cold in Hot Springs in the winter. Hot Springs is much warmer than Charlottesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Charlottesville. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Charlottesville. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hot Springs is a little warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 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 Charlottesville. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Charlottesville 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Charlottesville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)