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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Clearwater?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Clearwater? 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 Clearwater?

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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

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, Clearwater 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
    Clearwater Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Clearwater $343

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Clearwater is $343. 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 Clearwater in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Clearwater $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Clearwater $282
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Clearwater

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Clearwater? 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 Clearwater


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 Clearwater Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Clearwater $221

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 Clearwater?

Prices for flights to both Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Clearwater.

  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
  • Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115

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

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 Clearwater

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St Petersburg Ultimate (ALL-IN-ONE) City Trolley Tour : $25
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $27
  • Happy Hour Cruise: $27
  • Dolphin Watching Intercoastal Cruise: $27
  • Clearwater Beach Tiki Getaway Cruise BYOB: $27
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass: $29

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Clearwater, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Hot Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hot Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hot Springs 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Hot Springs.

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 Clearwater Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Clearwater?

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

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 Clearwater in the Summer?

Both Clearwater and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Clearwater during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Clearwater. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Clearwater in the Autumn?

Both Clearwater and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Clearwater. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Clearwater averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In Clearwater, 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 Clearwater. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 234 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Clearwater. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Clearwater in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Clearwater. Also, many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hot Springs in the winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Clearwater fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Clearwater. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Clearwater in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Clearwater. Also, many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches.

Hot Springs is cooler than Clearwater in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Clearwater fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 299 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Clearwater. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Clearwater and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Clearwater
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)