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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster

The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.

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, Lancaster 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
    Lancaster Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Lancaster $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $221. 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 Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster


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 Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Lancaster $69

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 Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, PA: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $69
  • 3 Hour Retro Music Variety Show Dinner Theater: $75
  • Outdoor Cooking Class Activity with Customizable Recipes: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Lancaster $19

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 Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • Guided Tour of the Lititz 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $10
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Passport to Spain - Interactive Culinary Experience: $23
  • Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Amish Farmlands Tour: $27
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $35
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $38
  • Amish Experience Visit-In-Person Tour: $56
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79


When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Lancaster. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lancaster. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hot Springs is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Lancaster. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 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 Lancaster. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)