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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Columbia? 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 Columbia?

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.

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

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 Columbia, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Columbia?

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

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 Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Columbia. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hot Springs or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene.

In October, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, 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 Columbia. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hot Springs or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Columbia. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. Hot Springs is much colder than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Columbia. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hot Springs or Columbia in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. 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 Columbia. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Columbia. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Hot Springs