Which place is cheaper, Richmond 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hot Springs or Richmond?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Richmond? 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 Richmond?
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.
Richmond
One of the oldest American cities, Richmond was established in 1607 by English settlers led by Captain Christopher Newport and Captain John Smith. During the Civil War it existed as the capital of the Confederacy, and today it remains the capital of the U.S. state of Virginia. There are many historic sights to see and museums to explore, as well as plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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.
-
Hot Springs Prices
USA PricesRichmond Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Richmond $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Richmond is $176. 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 Richmond in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Richmond $101
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Richmond
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Richmond? 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 Richmond Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Richmond $72
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:
- Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
- Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $175
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Richmond?
Prices for flights to both Richmond 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 dayHot Springs $90Richmond $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.
- Church Hill Food Tour: $89
- Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $89
- The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
- Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
- Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond: $90
- Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $94
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Richmond $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
Tours and Activities in Richmond
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- The Haunted History of Richmond tour: $25
- Uncivil Wards History Tour: $25
- The Church Hill tour with Historian Jane: $25
- Shadows of Shockoe Ghost Tour: $26
- Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $27
- Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $27
- Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $27
- Creepy Tales on Campus Ghost Tour: $27
- Specters & Shades of Court End Ghost Tour: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Richmond -
Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:
- Richmond Virginia Bar Crawl: $15
- Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $37
- Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $86
- Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Richmond, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Richmond.
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 Richmond Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Richmond?
Richmond has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Richmond, 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 Richmond?
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 Richmond in the Summer?
Both Richmond and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Richmond. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Richmond 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Richmond in the Autumn?
Both Richmond and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Hot Springs is a little warmer than Richmond in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Richmond. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Richmond. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Richmond 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Richmond in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Richmond. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Richmond can be very cold during winter. Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is much warmer than Richmond. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Richmond averages at about 36°F (2°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Richmond 36°F (2°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Richmond in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Richmond.
In April, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Richmond. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Richmond. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Richmond 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Richmond and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Richmond | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.3 inches (83 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.