Which place is cheaper, Seattle 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 Seattle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Seattle? 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 Seattle?
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.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
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 PricesSeattle Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Seattle $242
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Seattle $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Seattle? 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 Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Seattle $30
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 Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- One-Way Seattle Airport Transfer Service: $27
- One - Way Transfer from Pier 66 to SeaTac international Airport : $27
- One-Way Transfer: Pier 91 to Airport : $28
- SEA Airport Private Transfer to Seattle City|Hotels: $37
- Private Transfer from Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport SEA: $38
- Seattle Airport Transfer – Private SUV or Sprinter Van Service: $45
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport private transfer. Pick up: $47
- Seattle to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA: $93
- Private One-way Transfer from Seattle Airport to Seattle: $95
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $112
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Business Car: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $90Seattle $88
Typical Food Prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $26
- Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
- Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- Seattle Pike Market Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours: $75
- Plant Based in Pike Place Food Tour (GF available): $79
- Chef Food Tour of Seattle Space Needle and Seattle Center: $85
- Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market Holiday Food Tour: $110
- Pike Place Market Gourmet Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Seattle $16
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 Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Everett by Operation City Quest: $10
- Seattle Audio Tour on Capital Hill Adventure: $15
- Seattle Kraken Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $19
- National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket: $20
- Seattle City Walking Tour: Along the Waterfront: $22
- Smith Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $22
- Seattle Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Smith Tower Observatory Access Ticket: $25
- Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets : $25
- Sinister Sins, Scandal, and Shadows: Seattle Ghost Tour: $27
- The Museum of Flight Entry Ticket: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Seattle $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Seattle Bar Crawl Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
- Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $45
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience Near Pike Place Market: $75
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
- Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
- Bainbridge Island Discovery and Wine Tour: $159
- All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Seattle?
Seattle has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Seattle, 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 Seattle?
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 Seattle in the Summer?
Both Seattle and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Seattle. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Seattle in the Autumn?
Both Seattle and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Hot Springs is a little warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Seattle in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Seattle. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hot Springs is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Seattle. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Seattle in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Seattle. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
In April, Hot Springs is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. 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 Seattle. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Seattle | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 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.