Exploring Las Vegas: Is It An Affordable Travel Destination?

Las Vegas is a city of contradictions. It's a sprawling metropolis in the middle of the Nevada desert, a place of glitz and glamour, bright lights and gambling, and a party atmosphere that never sleeps. But is it expensive to travel to?

The answer is: it depends.

Las Vegas has a reputation for being a cheap tourist destination, and while that may have been true in the past, the city has evolved. Today, Vegas attracts a lot of non-gaming tourists, and as a result, the prices for everything from hotels to food and attractions have increased. However, with some careful planning and research, it is still possible to visit Las Vegas on a budget.

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when travelling, and in Las Vegas, hotel room rates can vary significantly. While you can find rooms for as little as $20 per night, these are usually quite basic and located away from the famous Strip. On the other end of the spectrum, luxurious suites can cost upwards of $25,000 per night! For a more moderate option, you can expect to pay between $75 and $350 per night, but be sure to factor in resort fees, which can add a significant amount to your bill.

Food costs in Las Vegas can also vary widely. You can find cheap fast food or buffets for around $10 to $20, but if you want to dine at one of the many celebrity-run restaurants, expect to pay upwards of $50 per person.

Transportation costs can also add up, but there are ways to keep these expenses down. Walking is a great option if you're staying on the Strip, as most attractions, restaurants, and casinos are within walking distance. Public transportation, such as the monorail and buses, is also relatively affordable, with single rides starting at just a few dollars.

When it comes to attractions and entertainment, Las Vegas has something for every budget. Shows and tourist attractions can be expensive, but there are also plenty of free options, such as the nightly light and water display at the Bellagio or the volcano show at the Mirage.

So, is Las Vegas expensive to travel to? It can be, but with careful planning and a bit of flexibility, it is possible to have a memorable trip to Sin City without breaking the bank.

Hotel prices

Las Vegas has a wide range of hotel options, from budget-friendly to high-end luxury resorts. The cost of accommodation can vary depending on the location, amenities, and time of year. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of hotel prices:

Budget Hotels:

• It is possible to find hotel rooms in Las Vegas for as low as $20 per night, but these are typically older properties with minimal amenities located away from the famous Las Vegas Strip.
• For slightly more, you can find budget hotels in the $65 to $90 per night range, such as Excalibur Hotel, The Linq, and The Flamingo. These may be further away from the Strip or have fewer amenities but still offer a comfortable stay.
• There are also some great options for budget-conscious travellers who want to be on the Strip, such as The Westgate, Treasure Island, MGM, and New York-New York, which often offer rooms for $50 per night or less.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• For those seeking a balance between comfort and price, there are many mid-range hotels in the $75 to $350 per night range. This includes properties like Vdara Hotel ($131 per night) and The Cromwell ($90 per night), which offer a luxurious experience without breaking the bank.
• Apart-hotels, such as The Signature at MGM and the Jockey Club Suites, can also be a great option for larger groups or those wanting extra space, typically costing under $100 per night.

Luxury Hotels:

• Las Vegas is known for its luxurious resorts, and you can find plenty of high-end options with prices to match. The average nightly rate for a 5-star hotel is $233, but this can vary significantly depending on the property and time of year.
• Some of the most expensive hotels in Las Vegas include the Mandarin Oriental, Wynn, Four Seasons, and The Palazzo, which typically cost around $200 per night.
• For an even more extravagant experience, there are suites and penthouses that can cost upwards of $25,000 per night!

Tips for Saving Money on Accommodation:

• Consider staying in a hotel that is located off the Strip or a block or two away from the main action. These hotels often have lower rates than those directly on the Strip.
• Booking in advance, travelling during the week, or visiting during the off-season (such as January, February, April, September, and October) can also help you find lower rates.
• Look for hotels that offer free amenities like breakfast, parking, or Wi-Fi, as this can help reduce your overall expenses.
• If you're travelling with a group or family, consider booking a suite, vacation rental, or apartment-style accommodation, which can provide more space and the option to prepare your own meals, saving on dining expenses.
• Keep an eye out for resort fees, which are additional charges that some hotels add on top of the advertised room rate. These fees can range from $20 to $45 per day and are typically not included in the advertised price.

Food and drink costs

Las Vegas has a wide range of dining options, from fast-food joints to celebrity-run restaurants. The cost of food and drinks can vary significantly depending on your choices. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your trip:

Budget Dining:

If you're on a tight budget, you can find fast-food chains and food courts in hotels and casinos. Some popular options include In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, Earl of Sandwich, and the food court at the Fashion Show Mall. You can expect to spend around $10-15 per meal at these places.

Buffets:

Las Vegas is famous for its all-you-can-eat buffets, offering international cuisine at a reasonable price. The average cost of a buffet dinner on the main strip is around $40, with some costing as little as $38 or as much as $60. Buffets are a great way to fill up without breaking the bank.

Mid-Range Dining:

Las Vegas has plenty of moderately priced restaurants. Some options include The Cheesecake Factory, The Buffet at Wynn, and Gordon Ramsay Burger. You can expect to spend around $25-40 per meal at these mid-range establishments.

Fine Dining:

If you're looking for a gourmet experience, Las Vegas has some of the most exclusive fine dining restaurants in the world, including Michelin-starred options. Celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and José Andrés have restaurants in the city. For these high-end dining experiences, expect to pay upwards of $100 per person for a meal.

Alcoholic Drinks:

Drinks in Las Vegas can be quite expensive, especially on the Strip. Beers can cost $10 or more, and cocktails can start at $13-16 each. To save money, take advantage of happy hours or drink at the casinos, where drinks are often free for gamblers.

Coffee and Water:

A cup of coffee or tea will typically cost you around $5.50, while bottled water is usually $2.

Groceries:

If you're staying in accommodation with a kitchen, you can save money by cooking your own meals. A week's worth of groceries for one person is estimated to cost between $50-65.

Attraction prices

Las Vegas has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and entertainment, but these can be expensive. On average, visitors spend around $78 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do. Here is a list of some popular attractions and their prices:

• The Rollercoaster at New York-New York: $15 per ride
• Big Shot at the Stratosphere: $20 per ride
• Meow Wolf's Omega Mart: $65 per ticket
• Helicopter Strip Flight: $199 per person
• Gondola Rides at The Venetian: $29 per person
• Mandalay Bay Shark Reef: $20 per person
• Fremont Street Experience: Free
• Eiffel Tower Experience: $18 during the day, $25 at night for adults
• Marvel Avengers Station Interactive Exhibit: $34 for adults
• Bellagio Conservatory: Free
• KISS: By Monster Mini-Golf: $11.95 for adults
• AdventureDome at Circus Circus: $39.95 for adults
• The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel: $29 for admission and a VR experience
• High Roller Observation Wheel: $18 during the day, $25 at night for adults
• Madame Tussauds: $30 for adults
• Mob Museum: $24.95 for adults
• Cirque du Soleil shows: Starting at $99 for adults
• Blue Man Group Las Vegas: Starting at $99 for adults

There are also various passes available that can help you save money on attractions, such as the Go City Las Vegas Pass and the Las Vegas Explorer Pass. These passes include admission to multiple attractions and can help you save up to 50% on ticket prices.

In addition to these attractions, Las Vegas is also known for its casinos and gambling. Gambling can be an expensive activity, but it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Many casinos offer player's club cards that provide discounts and perks, so be sure to sign up if you plan on gambling.

Overall, Las Vegas offers a wide range of attractions and entertainment options to suit different budgets. By planning ahead and taking advantage of discounts and passes, you can enjoy everything Las Vegas has to offer without breaking the bank.

Transport costs

If you're staying on the Strip and don't plan on venturing too far, you won't need to worry about transport costs as it's easy to walk around and explore the hotels and casinos in the area. However, if you do need to get around, there are several transport options available, each with varying price ranges.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) operates buses throughout the city, including the Strip and downtown area. The Deuce is a popular bus service that runs 24/7 along the Strip, stopping at major resorts and attractions. A single ride on the Deuce costs $4, while a two-hour pass costs $6 and a 24-hour pass costs $8. You can also purchase a three-day pass for $20.

Another option is the monorail, which offers a faster and more comfortable way to get around the Strip and downtown. A one-way ride on the monorail costs $5.50, while a one-day pass costs $13.45. You can also purchase passes for up to seven days.

Taxis are readily available in Las Vegas and can be a convenient option, especially if you're travelling in a group or with luggage. Taxi fares start at $3.50, with an additional charge of $2.76 per mile. Many taxis also charge a processing fee of around $3 for credit card payments.

Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also widely used in Las Vegas and tend to be cheaper than taxis. A ride with Uber or Lyft will typically cost between $15 and $20, depending on the distance and time of day.

If you're looking for a more unique way to get around, there are also limo and party bus services available, although these can be quite expensive.

For those who want to explore areas outside the Strip, such as the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam, renting a car is a good option. Car rentals can be found for as little as $38 per day, but you'll need to be at least 21 years old.

Free Transport Options

There are also several free transport options available in Las Vegas. The city provides a free shuttle service, the Las Vegas Downtown Loop, which runs Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 3 pm to 10 pm. Additionally, there are two free monorail services: one running between The Mirage and Treasure Island, and the other between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay.

Flight costs

The cost of flights to Las Vegas can vary depending on where you are flying from and when you are travelling. However, there are a few tips that can help you find great deals on flights. Firstly, consider flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons as prices tend to be lower during these times. Booking your flights in advance is also a good idea, as prices often increase closer to the travel dates. Additionally, look out for deals and discounts offered by airlines and travel websites.

If you are travelling with a group or family, consider booking a vacation package that includes flights and hotels, as this can often result in a bundled discount. Keep in mind that additional fees such as baggage fees and seat upgrades can add up quickly, so be sure to factor these into your budget.

For example, a round trip ticket for two people from Los Angeles to Las Vegas can cost around $200 per person. However, flight prices can vary widely depending on your origin and destination, so be sure to shop around for the best deals.

Frequently asked questions