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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Cherokee?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee

The town of Cherokee is the center of Cherokee Native American culture in North Carolina and the eastern United States. Many natives refer to this area as home and the Cherokee language is also spoken by many people in the area. The town was established by the Cherokee people who were able to stay behind when the US Government forced the majority of the Cherokee people west (ultimately to Oklahoma) in what is known as the Trail of Tears. Those who were able to stay behind were able to hide in the mountains that now comprise the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Cherokee people at one point lived in houses made of woven grass and mud, and later, log cabins.

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, Cherokee 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
    Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Cherokee $186

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Cherokee is $186. 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 Cherokee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Cherokee $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Cherokee $316
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Cherokee

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee


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 Cherokee Hotel Prices.

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

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 Cherokee?

Prices for flights to both Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27

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

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

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


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

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 Cherokee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Cherokee?

Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Cherokee, 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 Cherokee?

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 Cherokee in the Summer?

Both Cherokee and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Cherokee in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Cherokee fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Cherokee in the Autumn?

Both Cherokee and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Cherokee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Cherokee averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Cherokee, 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 Cherokee. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Cherokee. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Cherokee in the Winter?

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

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Cherokee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Cherokee.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Cherokee in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Cherokee fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. 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 Cherokee. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Cherokee. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Cherokee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)