Which place is cheaper, Nags Head 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 Nags Head?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head?
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.
Nags Head
Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.
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 PricesNags Head Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Nags Head $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. 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 Nags Head in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Nags Head $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Nags Head
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Nags Head $40
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 Nags Head?
Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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 $90Nags Head $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Nags Head $14
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 Nags Head
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
- Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
- OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
- OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
- Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
- Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
- Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
- Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
- Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
- 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Nags Head $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:
- Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Nags Head, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Hot Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hot Springs than you might in Nags Head.
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 Nags Head Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Nags Head?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?
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 Nags Head in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Nags Head. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year.
Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Nags Head. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Nags Head 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Nags Head in the Autumn?
Both Nags Head and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).
It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Nags Head 62°F (16°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Nags Head in the Winter?
Both Nags Head and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine.
Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. In January, Hot Springs is generally cooler than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.
Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Nags Head 41°F (5°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Nags Head in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Nags Head.
Hot Springs is a little warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 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 Nags Head. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Nags Head 59°F (15°C)
Typical Weather for Nags Head and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Nags Head | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 5 inches (127 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.4 inches (85 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.