A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palm Springs vs. Hope for Nightlife, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Palm Springs or Hope?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Palm Springs and Hope can help you decide which place is right for you.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. It's also known for hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Palm Springs and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Hope?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Palm Springs and Hope are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more touristy than Hope and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Palm Springs different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hope and Palm Springs. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palm Springs or Hope?

Palm Springs
Hope

Palm Springs is very good for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


Is the Food Better in Palm Springs or Hope? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs
Hope

Palm Springs is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palm Springs. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Palm Springs or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs
Hope

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

People head to Palm Springs just to party. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Palm Springs or Hope Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs
Hope

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Hope is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Palm Springs is a perfect choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Hope is not a resort destination.


Is Palm Springs or Hope Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs
Hope

You'll find very good hiking in both Palm Springs and Hope.

Palm Springs is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hope. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or Hope?

Palm Springs
Hope

Palm Springs is a great city for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Palm Springs or Hope Better for Families?

Palm Springs
Hope

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Palm Springs or Hope.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hope is very family-friendly. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.


Is Palm Springs or Hope Better for Couples?

Palm Springs
Hope

Both Palm Springs and Hope are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Palm Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Hope makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

Is Palm Springs or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palm Springs
Hope

Hope is notable for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hope. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

Is Palm Springs or Hope Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Palm Springs
Hope

Palm Springs is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.


Is Palm Springs or Hope a more walkable city?

Palm Springs
Hope

Palm Springs is very good for its walkability. However, Hope is not known for its high level of walkability.

Palm Springs is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

For even more information, also check out Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Hope Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hope or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Hope?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palm Springs and Hope. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palm Springs than in Hope. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Palm Springs, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hope.

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Hope. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Palm Springs, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Palm Springs than Hope. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Palm Springs that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs than Hope if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Palm Springs.


  • How many days in Palm Springs or Hope? Ideal Length of Stay
    Palm Springs 2-4 
    Hope 2-3

One day in Palm Springs or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Palm Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hope, many people enjoy the that this local town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Hope?

Palm Springs is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hope is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Palm Springs or Hope?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the chic destination of Palm Springs. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find around the small destination of Hope. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palm Springs or Hope?

The outdoorsy city of Palm Springs offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Hope is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope or Palm Springs?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Palm Springs Prices
    USA Prices
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Palm Springs $244
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Palm Springs is $244, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Palm Springs and Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palm Springs $120
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palm Springs $240
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Palm Springs and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Palm Springs or Hope? 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 Palm Springs


Hotels in Hope


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: Palm Springs Hotel Prices and Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palm Springs $52
    Hope -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:

  • Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $214
  • Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport PSP Departure Transfer: $201
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $201
  • Private Transfer from PSP to Vía La Quinta, Indio, CA : $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Palm Springs or Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope and Palm 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
    Palm Springs $92
    Hope $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palm Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palm Springs.

  • Private Palm Springs Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Stephen: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Palm Springs $29
    Hope -

Tours and Activities in Palm Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:

  • Palm Springs Windmill Guided Tour by Golf Cart: $55
  • 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $45
  • 100+ Self-Guided Audio Tours: Driving & Walking Bundle: $100
  • All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour: $50
  • Bombay Beach Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain Guided Art Tour: $225
  • Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
  • Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours: $125
  • Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $149
  • Food Adventure Game: $99
  • French Bicycle Tour of Palm Springs: $152
  • Golf Cart Tour in a 6 Passenger Cart in Palm Springs California: $195

Tours and Activities in Hope

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

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Palm Springs $13
    Hope $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palm Springs and Hope, we can see that Palm Springs is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs than you might in Hope.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palm Springs Expensive? and Is Hope Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Hope?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs and Hope, 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 Palm Springs or Hope?

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 Palm Springs or Hope in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palm Springs as well as Hope. The summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

Palm Springs is a little warmer than Hope in the summer. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Hope fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Palm Springs usually gets less rain in July than Hope. Palm Springs gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Palm Springs 73°F (23°C) 
    Hope 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Palm Springs or Hope in the Autumn?

Both Hope and Palm Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hope for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Palm Springs is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palm Springs in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Hope averages at about 10°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. In October, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Hope. Palm Springs gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Palm Springs 69°F (20°C) 
    Hope 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Palm Springs or Hope in the Winter?

Both Hope and Palm Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hope in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hope can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Palm Springs is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 57°F (14°C), and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palm Springs usually gets less rain in January than Hope. Palm Springs gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Palm Springs 57°F (14°C) 
    Hope 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Palm Springs or Hope in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palm Springs and Hope.

Palm Springs is much warmer than Hope in the spring. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Hope fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Hope. Palm Springs gets 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Palm Springs 62°F (17°C) 
    Hope 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Hope and Palm Springs

Palm Springs Hope
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Feb 58°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 69°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 74°F (24°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm) 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 57°F (14°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)