Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island 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.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Hilton Head Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island?
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.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
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.
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Hot Springs Prices
USA PricesHilton Head Island Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Hilton Head Island $287
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $287. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Hilton Head Island $129
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Hilton Head Island
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Hilton Head Island $34
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 Hilton Head Island?
Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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
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Food Meals for one dayHot Springs $90Hilton Head Island $105
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Hibachi Dinner Cruise: $117
- Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise: $118
- Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $128
- Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise: $128
- Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head: $148
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Hilton Head Island $23
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 Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Historic Beaufort Smartphone Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
- Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
- Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
- Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
- 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
- Walking Tour in Beaufort: $35
- Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $35
- Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $37
- History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $38
- Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $38
- #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $38
- Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Hilton Head Island $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:
- Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Hilton Head Island?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?
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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?
Both Hilton Head Island and Hot Springs during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the summer, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.
Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Hilton Head Island. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Hot Springs is cooler than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Hilton Head Island. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is much colder than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?
Both Hilton Head Island and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Hot Springs. In April, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Hilton Head Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 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.