City Comparison
Hot Springs vs Jacksonville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Jacksonville scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hot Springs
Jacksonville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hot Springs is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Jacksonville.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Jacksonville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,250 | -8% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,045 | $2,250 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 80 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hot Springs offers 55% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hot Springs delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hot Springs is estimated at
$42,000 vs $42,000 in Jacksonville.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $30,946 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $42,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,174 idx | 38,683 idx |
| Household Income | $47,760 | $49,666 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hot Springs runs warmer on average — a 64.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hot Springs comes out ahead with 264 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hot Springs sees 9.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 46.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 264 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Hot Springs scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hot Springs leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 22.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hot Springs is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Jacksonville.
From a growth perspective, Hot Springs is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 37,979 | 29,400 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.18% | — |
| Median Age | 45.3 | 32.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.40% | 4.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hot Springs
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living sit roughly 7-8% below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Average commute times are exceptionally short at around 21 minutes, minimizing daily transit friction.
Direct access to Hot Springs National Park and pristine lakes like Lake Hamilton provides unmatched outdoor recreation.
A thriving local healthcare sector anchored by major regional medical facilities ensures robust access to care.
Rich cultural history, vibrant arts community, and unique architecture create a distinct and engaging small-city environment.
Drawbacks
Poverty rates in the city proper are higher than the national average, registering around 20.5% per Census figures.
The local median household income of $47,760 trails well behind national benchmarks.
Heavy tourism seasons introduce periodic traffic congestion and crowding around downtown commercial districts.
Public transportation options are sparse, making reliable personal vehicle ownership an absolute necessity.
Property crime rates reflect the transient nature of a major tourist destination.
Jacksonville
Advantages
The median home value in Jacksonville is significantly lower than the national average, making housing highly affordable.
Jacksonville offers a strong sense of community and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The average commute time for residents is relatively short at 20.3 minutes.
The city is undergoing various infrastructure and development projects, indicating investment and potential future improvements.
Jacksonville has numerous parks and hosts community events like FestiVille, providing recreational opportunities.
Drawbacks
Jacksonville's violent crime rate is higher than the national average.
As of April 2026, the city lacks an acute care hospital with an emergency department, impacting general healthcare access.
The city has minimal public transportation and low walkability, making it highly car-dependent.
The city experienced a slight decline in employment from 2023 to 2024.
The population is projected to have a slight annual decline in 2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Hot Springs
#426Arkansas, USA
56.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
264/yr
Avg Temp
64.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.18%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
75
Business
67
Jacksonville
#349Arkansas, USA
59.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$30,946
Cost Index
80
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
22.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
65
Business
60
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