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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Marathon?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Marathon? 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 Marathon?

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.

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

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, Marathon 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
    Marathon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Marathon $195

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Marathon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Marathon $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Marathon

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Marathon? 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 Marathon


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 Marathon Hotel Prices.

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

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 Marathon?

Prices for flights to both Marathon 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
    Marathon $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Marathon $27

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 Marathon

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

  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
  • Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Marathon $24


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


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Marathon?

Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Marathon, 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 Marathon?

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 Marathon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Marathon. Additionally, many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Marathon in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. 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 Marathon. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in July than Marathon. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Marathon 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Marathon in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Marathon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Marathon averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. In October, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Marathon. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Marathon 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Marathon in the Winter?

Both Marathon and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine.

Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Marathon. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in January than Marathon. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Marathon 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Marathon in the Spring?

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

Hot Springs is cooler than Marathon in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 326 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 Marathon. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Marathon 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Marathon and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Marathon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)