Planning a Las Vegas trip means budgeting for lodging, food, entertainment, gambling, nightlife, and transportation. Below is a clear breakdown of typical costs in each category, plus practical tips to save money. All prices are in US dollars, and ranges are provided to give a realistic idea of expenses.
Las Vegas has always been a city of spectacle, but it’s also a place of constant change.
In this collection, we go beyond the clichés to explore Las Vegas in full. You’ll find guides for first-time visitors, deep dives into its history and economy, cultural perspectives on its identity, and personal stories that bring the city’s energy to life.
Lodging: On-Strip vs. Downtown vs. Off-Strip
Las Vegas hotel prices vary widely by location and date. On the Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard’s main resort area), expect average nightly rates around $150–$250 for a standard room, with the overall Strip average about $200 per night.
High-end Strip resorts can charge more, especially on weekends or during big events. In Downtown Las Vegas (the Fremont Street area), hotel prices are much lower – roughly $75–$125 per night, averaging near $100.
Off-Strip hotels (other parts of the city) tend to fall in between, often around $100–$200 per night depending on the property. Keep in mind that weekends will significantly inflate hotel costs (often double or more the midweek rate) due to higher demand.
If you have flexibility, staying Sunday–Thursday can save 40–50% on nightly rates compared to Friday and Saturday.
Resort Fees
Most Vegas hotels add a daily resort fee on top of the room rate. These mandatory fees typically range from $30 to $50 per night (plus tax) at Strip resorts.
For example, many major Strip hotels now charge around $45–$50 before tax, and the highest resort fees reach $55 (about $62 with tax) per night at certain luxury properties.
Downtown hotels generally have lower resort fees – roughly 40%–50% less than the Strip’s fees. In fact, a few downtown casinos (like Four Queens and Binion’s) charge no resort fee at all.
As of 2025, the average resort fee across Las Vegas hotels is about $40 per night. These fees usually cover amenities like Wi-Fi, gym access, and phone calls, but they can substantially increase your total hotel bill, so be sure to budget for them.
Always check the resort fee amount when comparing hotel prices, since a hotel that seems cheap at first might end up costing more after fees.
Food and Drink: Meals from Cheap to Chic
Dining in Las Vegas can fit any budget. Here’s what to expect for food and beverages, from quick bites to gourmet experiences:
Cheap Eats (Fast Food & Casual)
You can eat affordably at food courts, fast-food chains, and casual eateries on or near the Strip.
Quick meals like a burger, slice of pizza, or sandwich typically cost $5–$15 per person. Popular fast-casual spots (e.g. Shake Shack, Chipotle) average around $10–$15 for a meal. Many hotels have food courts where you can find meals in this price range.
Non-alcoholic drinks are a few dollars; a basic beer might be $5–$8 at casino bars during happy hour, though prices can be higher in tourist-heavy spots.
Buffets and Mid-Range Dining
All-you-can-eat buffets are a Vegas staple. Buffet prices vary by location and time of day – roughly $20–$50 per person on average.
For example, a budget buffet off-strip might be $20, whereas a well-known Strip buffet is often $40–$50 (some premium dinner buffets even higher).
At standard sit-down restaurants (mid-range), expect to pay about $15–$30 for an entrée at many chain restaurants or casual hotel restaurants.
Adding a drink or appetizer will bring the total to around $25–$40 per person at these mid-level eateries. Daytime specials like lunch deals or happy hour menus can help keep costs down.
Fine Dining
Las Vegas is famous for its celebrity chef restaurants and steakhouses. Upscale fine dining will cost much more – plan for roughly $50–$200 per person for a multi-course dinner at a high-end restaurant.
Many fine dining establishments on the Strip (like steakhouses or gourmet international cuisine) easily run $100+ per person before drinks, especially if you order appetizers, wine, or dessert.
Note that beverages at these restaurants are also pricey (cocktails ~$15–$20, wines often $15+ by the glass). If you’re on a tight budget, you might save fine dining for one special night and choose cheaper eats for other meals.
Beverage Prices:
Soft drinks in casinos and restaurants are typically $3–$5. Alcoholic drink prices depend on the venue: a beer in a casual bar or restaurant might be ~$7, while on the casino floor cocktails and beers are often free if you are actively gambling (just remember to tip your server $1–$2). At clubs and upscale bars, drink prices soar (more on that in the Nightlife section).
Tip: Take advantage of happy hour specials at many restaurants and bars (usually in the late afternoon), when drinks and appetizers might be 30–50% off. Also, Las Vegas has convenience stores (Walgreens, CVS) on the Strip where you can buy snacks, water, or alcohol much cheaper than in-hotel options – a great way to save on basics.
Tickets and Attractions
Las Vegas offers a huge range of entertainment, from Cirque du Soleil productions to magic shows and concerts. Show ticket prices vary greatly based on the type of show and popularity.
In general, smaller shows (comedy acts, smaller magic shows, variety or burlesque shows) can be quite affordable – some tickets cost as low as $20–$40 for general admission.
Many afternoon or family-friendly shows fall in this lower range, and TKTS/Tix4Tonight discount booths (or apps) sometimes offer 50% off same-day show tickets.
For the big-name performances, Las Vegas production shows (like Cirque du Soleil, major magic/headliner acts, or famous musical performers) typically run between $75 and $150 per ticket for standard seats. For example, tickets for a Cirque du Soleil show might start around $80–$100 and go up for premium seating.
According to a ticket marketplace, most Las Vegas show tickets range from the tens up to around $200 at the high end. Headliner concerts or special residencies (iconic singers, popular DJs at arenas or the new Sphere) can be more expensive – often starting around $150 and climbing to several hundred dollars for prime seats.
It’s not unusual for top-tier entertainers or one-night-only events to charge $250–$300+ for good seats (and VIP meet-and-greet packages costing even more). These are outliers, though – an average visitor going to a typical Vegas show should budget roughly $50–$100 per ticket as a median range.
Aside from shows, paid attractions around town include things like the High Roller observation wheel (about $20–$35 per person, depending on time of day), the Strat SkyPod tower observation deck ($20), and museum exhibits (often $15–$30).
Many of these can be bundled with tourist passes if you plan on doing several. Nightclubs and pool parties also count as entertainment but we’ll cover their costs in Nightlife.
Free Entertainment:
The good news is Las Vegas also has plenty of free entertainment. Iconic sights like the Bellagio Fountain show (every 15-30 minutes in evenings) cost nothing to watch. The Fremont Street Experience downtown offers free LED light shows and live music nightly.
Inside casinos, you can often catch free attractions like the Bellagio Conservatory gardens, the Flamingo Hotel’s wildlife habitat, or street performers on the Strip. Strolling through themed resorts (like the canals of the Venetian or the Forum Shops at Caesars) can be entertaining in itself without an entry fee.
These free options can fill your time between paid shows so you won’t be spending on tickets constantly.
Examples of saving tips: take advantage of free attractions like the Bellagio fountains; go people-watching on the Strip. It’s entertaining and costs nothing!
Gambling Budgets: How Much to Risk
Gambling is not a mandatory expense. You can enjoy Vegas without betting – but many visitors will try their luck at the casinos.
It’s important to set a gambling budget that you are comfortable potentially losing. Gambling spend varies widely per person, but here are some reference points:
Typical Budget Range
Casual gamblers might budget anywhere from $50 to $200 per day for slots or tables, depending on their income and interest. For a long weekend trip, that could be a few hundred dollars total. On the other end, some travelers bring thousands to gamble – it really depends.
In recent visitor surveys, among those who gambled, about 30% set aside less than $300 for their entire trip, while around 36% had a budget of $600 or more.
In other words, a large portion of visitors limit themselves to only a few hundred dollars, but a significant number also gamble much larger amounts.
Average Gambling Spend
The average gambling budget per visitor has been around $760–$820 per trip in the past couple years.
One study reported the average was about $761 in 2022 , and the Las Vegas tourism board’s latest figure (for 2024) is roughly $820 per trip. This average corresponds to roughly $170–$200 per day on a typical 4-day visit.
However, note that this is an average among visitors who gamble – if you do not gamble at all, your cost is $0, and if you’re a high-roller, you might exceed those figures.
Table Minimums & Slots
If you plan to gamble, factor in how long you’ll play and at what stakes. Table games on the Strip usually require a minimum bet of $15–$25 per hand (for games like blackjack or roulette) at most times, so even a short session can cost $100 if luck is not on your side.
Downtown or off-Strip casinos are cheaper: you can often find $5 or $10 minimum tables during weekdays or off-peak times downtown. Slot machines have a wide range of denominations – you can play penny slots (typically $0.50 to $1 per spin if playing multiple lines) or high-limit machines that are $5 or more per spin. Decide ahead how much you’re willing to lose.
A common strategy is to set a daily loss limit (say $100 per day); if you lose that, stop for the day. If you end up winning, that’s a bonus – but don’t count on winnings to fund your trip.
Tip: Sign up for the casino players’ club cards (free) wherever you gamble. Even at low stakes, these cards track your play and can earn you points or comps (like free meals, discounts, or promotional credits).
They also often come with new-member perks (free slot play or matchplay coupons) that effectively give you a few dollars of gambling money or other freebies. It won’t make you rich, but it’s worth using if you’re going to gamble anyway.
Nightlife: Clubs, Bars, and Adult Fun
Las Vegas nightlife can be pricey, especially at the popular nightclubs on the Strip. Here’s what to budget for a night out:
Nightclub Entry Fees
Most big nightclubs (Omnia, Hakkasan, XS, Marquee, etc.) charge a cover fee for entry. The price depends on the night and performer (famous DJs or holiday weekends cost more).
Typically, women pay around $10–$30 and men pay around $20–$60 for general admission. On regular nights, cover might be ~$20 for ladies and $30 for guys, but when a top DJ or artist is performing, it can jump to $50+ for men.
Many clubs offer free or reduced admission if you sign up on a guest list (often free for women, and free for men if they arrive with an even male-to-female ratio). For example, a club might let women in free before midnight on the guest list, while men either pay a reduced cover or also get in free if accompanying women.
It pays to plan ahead – signing up online or with a promoter can save you $20-$50 at the door. (Keep in mind dress codes still apply.)
Some nightlife venues, like certain casino lounges or smaller bars with live music, have no cover charge at all. But the marquee clubs and pool parties usually do.
Drinks in Clubs and Bars
Once inside, drink prices are high. In nightclubs, a single cocktail (like a vodka soda or mixed drink) generally costs $15–$25. A bottle of beer might be $10–$15.
Higher-end clubs charge toward the upper end of that range (or more for premium liquor). Even in more casual hotel bars or sports bars on the Strip, expect $12+ for cocktails and around $8 for a beer.
Many clubs offer oversized drinks (double pours or souvenir cups) for $30-$40, but those aren’t really “deals” so much as large sizes. To save, you can buy drinks during happy hour or at casino bars before going to a club.
Also, women often receive free drink tickets or open-bar specials at club events (e.g. “free champagne for ladies until 11pm”), which can help a group’s budget. For example, some clubs have promotions like two free drinks for women before midnight.
If mega-clubs aren’t in your budget, Las Vegas has plenty of nightlife alternatives. Hotel lounges and casino bars often have no cover charge – you just pay for drinks.
Downtown Fremont Street has bars with live bands or DJs where beers might be $5–$8 and mixed drinks $10–$15, much cheaper than Strip clubs.
There are also free outdoor music stages on Fremont Street and inexpensive karaoke bars or pub-style bars around town. Strip clubs in Vegas have their own cover charges and drink prices (often $20–$50 entry and $10+ drinks), so factor that in if it’s on your agenda.
In summary, a big club night on the Strip (with paid entry and a few drinks) can easily cost $75–$100+ per person. But you can also have a fun evening on a tighter budget by seeking out no-cover venues and drink specials (or enjoying the city’s free nighttime spectacles like the Fremont Street light show or simply walking the Strip).
Set a nightlife budget so you don’t overspend in the moment – it’s easy for costs to balloon when you’re celebrating.
Transportation Costs
Las Vegas is fairly spread out, but there are many transportation options at different price points. Here’s what you’re likely to spend on getting around:
Taxi
Taxis in Vegas have a zone-based flat fare from the airport to the Strip hotels. Depending on which part of the Strip you go to, the flat rate is about $22, $26, or $30 for the ride from Harry Reid International Airport to your hotel.
Note: this flat fare does not include a tip (15% is customary) and there’s a small credit card processing fee and a $2 airport surcharge added. So effectively, an airport taxi to mid-Strip might cost $30 all-in, plus tip.
For other trips around town, taxis charge by distance/time (approx. $3.50 to start the meter and $3.15 per mile). A few example taxi fares: going from one mid-Strip hotel to another usually ends up around $10–$15 (for a short 1-2 mile trip, with traffic).
A taxi from the Strip to downtown Fremont Street might be $25. Taxis are convenient but not the cheapest, especially with Strip traffic, the meter can climb quickly.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Ride-hailing services are widely used in Vegas and often cheaper than taxis. From the airport, an Uber/Lyft to a Strip hotel typically runs about $10–$20 in normal conditions.
Prices depend on demand; if it’s a busy Friday night, surge pricing could make it equal or higher than a taxi. For example, a rideshare from the airport to Caesars Palace (mid-Strip) might be $15 versus the $30 taxi flat rate.
Around town, Uber/Lyft fares for short trips are usually in the $10–$15 range on the Strip, and maybe $15–$25 to go longer distances (Strip to downtown, etc.).
One thing to note is that pickup locations for Uber/Lyft are sometimes in specific areas of casinos (like a rideshare parking area), so you may have to walk a bit to meet your driver. Overall, if you’re comfortable with app-based rides, they’re a cost-effective way to get around Vegas compared to taxis.
Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail is a quick train that runs along the east side of the Strip from MGM Grand to the Sahara, with stops at major resorts in between. It’s great for avoiding traffic, though note it runs behind the casinos (you’ll walk through some back corridors to reach the stations).
A single ride on the monorail costs $5–$6 (one-way). If you plan to use it a lot, get an unlimited pass – a 24-hour pass is about $13–$15 , and multi-day passes are available (e.g. $23 for 2 days, $29 for 3 days). This can be economical if you’re moving up and down the Strip several times a day.
The monorail operates until midnight (2am on weekends). Keep in mind it doesn’t directly serve downtown or the airport, just the Strip corridor.
Buses
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) operates public buses, including the popular double-decker Deuce bus that runs 24/7 up and down the Strip and to downtown.
The buses are very cheap: A 2-hour pass is $6, a 24-hour pass is $8, and a 3-day (72-hour) pass is $20. These passes give unlimited rides on all RTC routes, including the Deuce and express buses like the SDX. You can buy passes at ticket vending machines at many bus stops or via the rideRTC mobile app.
Buses are the slowest option (the Strip has traffic and frequent stops), but they are budget-friendly and run all night.
For example, you could take the Deuce bus from the Strip to Fremont Street downtown on a $8 day pass instead of a $25 taxi. If you don’t mind the longer ride, it’s big savings.
Walking and Trams
If staying on the Strip, you’ll likely walk more than you drive. Walking is free, of course, and many casinos are connected by free trams or walkways.
For instance, there are free monorail-trams between Mirage and Treasure Island, and between Park MGM–Aria–Bellagio, and between Excalibur–Luxor–Mandalay Bay. These can save some steps (and some cab fares) for zero cost.
The Strip is about 4 miles end-to-end, so you may still need transport if covering long distances or in the heat, but planning your activities by geography can minimize transit costs.
Also, many hotels charge for parking now, so if you drive your own car or a rental, factor in $15 per day for self-parking at Strip resorts (some are free for hotel guests or higher-tier loyalty members).
For most tourists, a mix of walking and maybe a few rideshare or monorail rides will do. Budget perhaps $10–$15 per trip if using Uber/Lyft occasionally, or buy a $8 bus pass for the day.
If you plan carefully (staying central, using free trams, etc.), your transport costs can be minimal.
On the other hand, taking taxis everywhere will add up quickly. For example, 3–4 taxi rides in a day could be $50+. So it’s worth trying the cheaper options when possible.
Saving Strategies to Stretch Your Budget
Las Vegas doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips and strategies to get the most out of your money:
- Visit Off-Season or Midweek: Timing is key. Room rates and airfare skyrocket over weekends and major events. If you can, go to Vegas during off-peak times – for example, winter months (December–February) or parts of fall, avoiding big conventions and holidays, have lower prices. Even within the week, Sunday through Thursday stays are much cheaper than Friday/Saturday. Hotels often double or triple their rates on Friday and Saturday nights , so a trip that spans weekdays can save you hundreds. You’ll also find smaller crowds midweek, which is a bonus.
- Shop for Deals & Use Loyalty Programs: Always look for hotel deals or packages. You can often find promotional rates on the official Las Vegas tourism site or via third-party sites. If you have flexibility, compare a few different dates. Joining hotel rewards programs (players’ clubs) can unlock discounted member rates. For instance, signing up for MGM Rewards or Caesars Rewards (free) and booking through the hotel’s site while logged in might show you lower prices or waive resort fees for special offers. Even if you’re a first-timer, these programs can give you perks or future comps. Likewise, check Groupon or Travelzoo for Vegas activity deals – sometimes you’ll find buffet 2-for-1s, tour discounts, or show ticket sales.
- Eat Smart: Food can be a major expense, but there are ways to save. Make lunch your big meal – many restaurants have cheaper lunch specials for the same food. For dinner, consider off-strip restaurants (Chinatown, which is a short ride away, has amazing and affordable eateries). Take advantage of happy hours for drinks and appetizers (numerous Vegas restaurants and bars have happy hour menus with dishes for half-price between 4–7pm). Also, don’t overlook casual dining: an $8 In-N-Out Burger meal or a $15 buffet brunch can fill you up more cost-effectively than a $50 steak. If you plan to drink, start at a casino bar while gambling lightly – as noted, casinos will comp drinks if you’re playing, which can be much cheaper than paying $18 per cocktail at a nightclub.
- Find Free and Cheap Entertainment: There are plenty of free things to do in Las Vegas that are genuinely enjoyable. Make a list of the freebies: the Bellagio fountains (every evening), Bellagio Conservatory (beautiful seasonal displays inside the hotel), the Volcano show at the Mirage (still operating as of now, erupts nightly), the neon light show on Fremont Street, etc. Walking through themed resorts costs nothing – you can check out the canals of the Venetian, the art installations at Aria, or the wildlife habitat at Flamingo for free. For inexpensive fun, consider buying a 24-hour monorail or bus pass and doing your own “Strip tour,” hopping on and off to see different casinos and people-watch. Many hotel pools are free for guests and can be an entertainment (some even have free entry for non-guests during certain hours). Also, keep an eye out for free lounge shows – some casinos have lounge singers or small shows that are open to the public with just a one-drink minimum. By mixing free attractions into your itinerary, you save money for one or two big ticket splurges.
- Gamble Wisely or Not at All: It might sound odd in a Vegas guide, but one of the best ways to save money is not gambling beyond your budget. It’s very easy to lose more than you intended. Set a strict limit (as discussed in the gambling section) and stick to it. If you find gambling isn’t bringing you joy, walk away and enjoy free entertainment instead. If you do enjoy gaming, gravitate to downtown casinos or locals casinos for cheaper tables and better odds. For example, downtown’s Fremont Street casinos often have $5 blackjack and roulette (especially in mornings/afternoons) , whereas the Strip might be $25 minimum at night. Your money lasts longer with lower minimums. Also, use any free slot play coupons you can find (hotel coupon books, sign-up bonuses) – they’re essentially free shots at winning. Ultimately, treat gambling as paid entertainment, not a way to make money, and you’ll save yourself from chasing losses.
- Transportation Savings: Skip the pricey private transport when possible. Instead of a $25 taxi, the $8 day bus pass or a $13 monorail pass can cover your whole day’s travels. Walking is free and often faster along the central Strip. If you’re flying in, compare the cost of rideshare vs. taxi – as noted, an Uber from the airport could be half the taxi flat rate. Also, many hotels on the Strip are close enough together that you don’t need to cab between each one – use the free trams or just enjoy a stroll if the weather isn’t too hot. For visiting off-strip attractions like Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam, consider group tours or shuttles instead of renting a car, unless you plan a lot of driving.
- Plan Ahead for Shows and Clubs: If you know you want to see a particular show, book tickets in advance – you can often find better prices online compared to last-minute at the box office, and you’ll have a wider choice of seating (so you can opt for cheaper seats if budget is a concern). Similarly, for nightclubs and pool parties, get on the guest list in advance (most clubs allow online sign-ups or have promoters on social media) to secure free or reduced entry. This can save a huge chunk of your nightlife budget. And if a club outing isn’t a must, plenty of bars have no cover and live music (Carnaval Court at Harrah’s, for example, or piano bars at dueling piano lounges) – you’ll save the cover charge and still have a fun evening.
Timing your trip right, hunting for deals, and being smart about where your dollars go can help experiencing Las Vegas on a realistic budget without sacrificing enjoyment.
The key is to decide what matters most to you (be it a luxury hotel, a fancy meal, a particular show) and allocate funds for that, while cutting back on areas that are less important.
With the information above, you should have a solid idea of how much money you’ll need for a Las Vegas trip and how to make the most of it. Enjoy your trip, and may Lady Luck smile on you!