Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ketchikan? 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 Ketchikan?
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.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
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 PricesKetchikan Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Ketchikan $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Ketchikan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Ketchikan $39
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: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $90Ketchikan $92
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Ketchikan $46
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: $15
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Ghost Walk Guided Tour: $35
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Beautiful Totem Bight State Park and Rainforest Walking Tour: $75
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Ketchikan, Alaska Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure: $80
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- Clarke's Custom Island Tour (up to 11 guests): $90
- Wild Wolf Tour - 2 Hr: $92
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
- 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Ketchikan $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Ketchikan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Ketchikan?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Hot Springs is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
Both Ketchikan and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Ketchikan. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ketchikan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Ketchikan. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Hot Springs is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.