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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach?

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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It's a popular beach destination and has many of the characteristics of most southeastern beach towns. There are many activities that you can enjoy and there's a concrete boardwalk that runs parallel to the water for about three miles. The boardwalk is a fun place to walk or bicycle. The beach itself is wide and sandy and is a great place to soak up some sun. During the summer months and school holidays it can get quite crowded and you might struggle to find a place for your towel and beach chairs. There are also many beach side resorts that line the water front. Most have pools and hot tubs where you can relax and some hotels have indoor pools as well, which can be nice during the cool winter months.

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, Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Virginia Beach $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $148. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Virginia Beach $39

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 Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Virginia Beach $21

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 Virginia Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $32
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $63
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $64
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Virginia Beach, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

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

In October, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

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

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Virginia Beach. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hot Springs is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 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 Virginia Beach. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 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) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)