Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hot Springs or Gatlinburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Gatlinburg? 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 Gatlinburg?
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.
Gatlinburg
Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.
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.
-
Hot Springs Prices
USA PricesGatlinburg Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Gatlinburg $253
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $253. 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 Gatlinburg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Gatlinburg $80
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Gatlinburg
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Gatlinburg? 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.
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 Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Gatlinburg $35
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 Gatlinburg?
Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg 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 dayHot Springs $90Gatlinburg $148
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
-
Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste the Smokies Appalachian Inspired Cooking Classes: $115
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Gatlinburg $24
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Photos$22
-
Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- Great Smoky Mountains NP Driving Tour smartphone autoplay APP/GPS: $9.75
- Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $15
- Gatlinburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour: $25
- Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Gatlinburg $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $85
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Gatlinburg?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?
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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Gatlinburg. Additionally, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?
Both Gatlinburg and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Gatlinburg in the Winter?
Both Gatlinburg and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Gatlinburg in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Gatlinburg.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 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 Gatlinburg. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Gatlinburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.