A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Hot Springs for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum or Hot Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Hot Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tulum or Hot Springs?

Tulum

When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.

Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.

This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hot Springs or Tulum?

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

  • Tulum Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tulum $133
    Hot Springs $220

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, while the average daily cost in Hot Springs is $220. 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 Tulum and Hot Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $54
    Hot Springs $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $108
    Hot Springs $200
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Hot Springs

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Hot Springs? 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 Tulum


Hotels in Hot Springs


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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Hot Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $25
    Hot Springs $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Private Transfer from Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
  • Private Transfer to Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
  • Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $114
  • Private Airport Transfer to Tulum: $117
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $120
  • Private Transfer Cancun International Airport CUN to Tulum City: $125
  • One way private transfer Bahia Principe area: $132
  • Economy Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe: $139
  • Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe & Comfortable: $150
  • Private Transfer to Tulum from Tulum Airport: $150
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone and Jaguar Park With Transfer and Lunch: $152

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Hot Springs?

Prices for flights to both Hot Springs and Tulum 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
    Tulum $54
    Hot Springs $90
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

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

  • Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
  • Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $29
    Hot Springs $30

Tours and Activities in Tulum

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

  • Salsa Dance Experience at Tulum Beach: $22
  • Coba Mayan Ruins and Cenote Swim Tour: $25
  • Snorkel 2 reef point, 1 hour 20 minutes tour : $29
  • ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30
  • Tulum Jungle Experience with ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote: $35
  • Guided Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim and Valladolid: $38
  • Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
  • Cenotes Casa Tortuga Guide Tour with Ticket: $39
  • Chichén Cenote and ValladolidkTour with Buffet Lunch from Tulum: $45
  • Tulum Area Experiences Scooter Daily Rental: $45
  • Discover Chichen Itza Charm Shared Tour from Tulum: $45
  • Tulum Area Experiences E-Bike Daily Rental: $45

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $23
    Hot Springs $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:

  • 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
  • Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Hot Springs?

Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Hot Springs, 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 Tulum or Hot Springs?

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 Tulum or Hot Springs in the Summer?

Both Hot Springs and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Hot Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Hot Springs fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Hot Springs during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Hot Springs. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Hot Springs in the Autumn?

Both Hot Springs and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Hot Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hot Springs averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Hot Springs. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 254 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Hot Springs. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Hot Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Hot Springs. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Hot Springs can be very cold. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Hot Springs. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Hot Springs fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hot Springs during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 205 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Hot Springs. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Hot Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Hot Springs. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is a little warmer than Hot Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hot Springs fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Hot Springs. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 304 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hot Springs. Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Hot Springs. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Hot Springs and Tulum

Tulum Hot Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)