Which place is cheaper, Pensacola 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 Pensacola?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Pensacola? 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 Pensacola?
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.
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
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 PricesPensacola Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Pensacola $234
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $234. 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 Pensacola in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Pensacola $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Pensacola
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Pensacola? 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 Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Pensacola $64
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Pensacola?
Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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 $90Pensacola $84
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
- Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Pensacola $13
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- Pensacola's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided App Walking Tour: $7.75
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
- The Great Pensacola Birthday Party Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Pensacola Ghost Tours: Perdition, Pirates, & Purgatory: $24
- Spooky Stories Walking Ghost Tour: $25
- Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Pensacola Haunted Walking Tour with Ghost Equipment: $30
- Pensacola Amazing Race Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Pensacola Most Haunted Ghost Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
- North Hill Historic Homes Tour of Pensacola: $32
- Pensacola Ghost Tours: Perdition, Pirates, & Purgatory: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Pensacola $44
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
- Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Pensacola, we can see that Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Pensacola?
Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?
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 Pensacola in the Summer?
Both Pensacola and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Pensacola. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Pensacola averages at about 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Pensacola 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Pensacola in the Autumn?
Both Pensacola and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Pensacola in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Hot Springs is generally cooler than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Pensacola. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Pensacola 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Pensacola in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Pensacola. Also, most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Hot Springs is much colder than Pensacola in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).
Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Pensacola 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Pensacola in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Pensacola. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches.
In the spring, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Pensacola. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Pensacola averages at about 67°F (20°C).
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Pensacola. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Pensacola 67°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Pensacola and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Pensacola | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.