How Much Does Las Vegas Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Las Vegas is a city of financial extremes where daily costs can range from a modest $75 for budget travelers to over $947 for a luxury experience. While it was once famous for its deep discounts, modern Las Vegas is a premium destination where mid-range dining averages $45 per meal. Prices are highly volatile, often doubling or tripling during weekends and major conventions. Navigating the cost of the city requires an understanding of hidden expenses, such as mandatory resort fees and high service expectations. Despite these costs, the city remains accessible to those who utilize public transit and explore the significant number of high-quality free attractions available.
Is Las Vegas expensive to visit?
Las Vegas offers a wide range of spending levels—expect to budget between $75 and $947 per day depending on your accommodation and entertainment choices.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Las Vegas
$75
per person /day
$259
per person /day
$947
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $225 | $777 | $2,840 |
| 5-Day Trip | $374 | $1,296 | $4,734 |
| 7-Day Trip | $524 | $1,814 | $6,628 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is advisable to maintain a 15–20% budget buffer to cover the standard 18–22% service tip expected at restaurants and the mandatory $50 daily resort fees. These costs are rarely included in advertised prices but will appear on the final bill.
How Does It Compare?
See how Las Vegas stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Las Vegas
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Restaurant Dinner Excludes tip; expect to add 20% (~$8.95) to the final bill. | $45 |
| Beer at a Strip Bar Domestic bottles are cheaper; craft or imports can reach ~$15. | $9.97 |
| Starbucks Coffee (Strip Location) Strip locations charge a premium compared to off-Strip stores. | $7.47 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| RTC Strip & Downtown 24-Hour Pass Valid for the Deuce on the Strip. Best value for non-residents wanting to move between the Strip and Downtown. | $7.97 |
| Taxi Zone 2 (Airport to Mid-Strip) Flat rate from the airport to hotels between Tropicana and Flamingo. Includes ~$2 airport fee. | $25 |
| Las Vegas Monorail 24-Hour Pass Connects hotels on the east side of the Strip (MGM Grand to SAHARA). Good for avoiding traffic. | $13 |
| Uber/Lyft Strip Ride (Average) Prices fluctuate with demand; surges are common after major shows or nightclub exits. | $18 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed at Bungalows Hostel Lowest listed price for a budget dorm. Includes access to shared kitchen and social areas. | $11 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Flamingo Las Vegas) Does not include the mandatory resort fee of ~$50 per night. Prices spike significantly on weekends. | $110 |
| Luxury Resort (Wynn Las Vegas) High-end luxury on the North Strip. Resort fee is ~$50 and is mandatory. | $448 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cirque du Soleil 'O' Ticket Performed at Bellagio. Booking in advance is essential as this is the most popular show. | $125 |
| High Roller Observation Wheel (Anytime) Nighttime tickets are ~$11 more expensive than daytime tickets. | $35 |
| Venetian Shared Gondola Ride Price is per person for a shared boat. Private boats cost ~$155. | $39 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo USA eSIM (10GB) Data-only package. 5G is widely available throughout the city. | $20 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is divided between high-end celebrity chef restaurants and accessible quick-service spots, with a mid-range dinner typically costing $45 before tax and tip. Alcohol on the Strip is a significant expense, with a standard beer at a bar averaging $9.97, though more affordable options exist in the Downtown area. Visitors can find value at spots like In-N-Out Burger at The LINQ Promenade or the various affordable taco shops located just off the main tourist corridor.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Tacos El Gordo
$3.48–$15North Strip · Street food area
Lines are long but move fast. The Adobada tacos (pork) are the city's most famous cheap eat.
Ocean One Grille
$5.97–$20Miracle Mile Shops · Local chain
Arrive before 11:30 for the ~$6 lunch specials and 3-for-1 cocktails.
Earl of Sandwich
$8.97–$18Planet Hollywood · Local chain
Best 24/7 option for a reliable meal under ~$15 on the Strip.
In-N-Out Burger
$4.48–$12The LINQ Promenade · Local chain
The most affordable fresh burger option right in the center of the Strip.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is most cost-effective via the Deuce bus, which offers an RTC Strip & Downtown 24-Hour Pass for $7.97. The Las Vegas Monorail provides a faster, traffic-free alternative for $13 per day, connecting major resorts on the east side of the Strip. While ride-sharing services like Uber average $18 for a typical Strip ride, traffic congestion can make walking or public transit more efficient during peak evening hours.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging prices fluctuate wildly; a mid-range room at the Flamingo Las Vegas might cost $110 on a weekday but spike significantly on Friday nights. Budget travelers can secure a dorm bed at Bungalows Hostel for as low as $11, while luxury resorts like Wynn Las Vegas start around $448. It is essential to account for the mandatory resort fee of approximately $50 per night, which is charged by almost all major hotels on the Strip.
Accommodation Budget in Las Vegas
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Visit between Tuesday and Thursday to save $59–$177 per night on hotel rates compared to weekend prices.
- 2 Eat at Ocean One Grille in the Miracle Mile Shops, which is known for its exceptionally low-priced lunch specials.
- 3 Purchase beverages and snacks at the CVS or Walgreens pharmacies located directly on the Strip to avoid paying $7.47 for a Starbucks coffee or $9.97 for a beer at hotel bars.
- 4 Utilize the free trams connecting several major resorts, such as the one running between Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur.
- 5 Join the free casino loyalty programs (like MGM Rewards or Caesars Rewards) to receive immediate discounts at participating restaurants and shops.
- 6 Use the $7.97 RTC 24-hour pass to travel to Downtown Las Vegas for significantly cheaper food and gambling than what is found on the Strip.
- 7 Look for 'Half-Price Show Tickets' booths like Tix4Vegas for same-day discounts on popular performances.
- 8 Avoid the $25 airport taxi flat rate by using the RTC public bus (Route 108 or 109) for a fraction of the cost.
- 9 Drink for free at the casinos by sitting at a penny slot machine and waiting for a cocktail server; just ensure to tip at least $1.77–$2.35 per drink.
- 10 Fill a reusable water bottle at hotel fitness centers or filtered stations to avoid the high cost of bottled water in gift shops.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
+30-50%
Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan
-25-40%
Feb, Sep
Summer is brutally hot with 40–45°C (104–113°F) days, leading to low room rates. Mid-week (Tue–Thu) is always ~$59–$177 cheaper than weekends.
Events to Watch
- ● CES (Early Jan): +200% hotels
- ● F1 Grand Prix (Nov): +300% hotels
- ● Super Bowl (Feb): +400% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 The Fountains of Bellagio (choreographed water show).
- 2 The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (seasonal floral displays).
- 3 Flamingo Wildlife Habitat (home to Chilean flamingos and exotic birds).
- 4 Fremont Street Experience (Viva Vision light show).
- 5 The Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Palace (animatronic show).
- 6 The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign (iconic photo opportunity).
- 7 Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden (self-guided tour).
- 8 The Silverton Aquarium (117,000-gallon tank with mermaid shows).
- 9 Circus acts at Circus Circus (performed daily above the casino floor).
- 10 The Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas (multimedia water show).
- 11 The Pinball Hall of Fame (browsing the massive collection of vintage machines).
- 12 18b Arts District (exploring the outdoor murals and galleries).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Helicopter Night Flight over the Strip
Unbeatable aerial view of the neon lights. The flight lasts ~12–15 minutes and includes a champagne toast.
Bacchanal Buffet Dinner
The ultimate Vegas dining experience with 250+ items including wagyu and seafood.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Las Vegas
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Las Vegas and what they cost
Grand Canyon South Rim
$65 by bus
$35
$149
Red Rock Canyon
$45 by taxi
$15
$75
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
Yes
Everywhere from street vendors to high-limit lounges.
Extremely critical. Tip ~$1–$2 per free drink to keep service frequent while gambling. 20% is standard for restaurants.
Avoid casino ATMs which charge ~$6–$8.95. Use 7-Eleven or CVS pharmacies for lower fees of ~$2.94.
Connectivity
eSIM: $3.53–$41 (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $40–$60 at T-Mobile stores
WiFi: Excellent in all major resorts, though some charge a fee if not staying there.
Use an Airalo eSIM for ~$20 (10GB) to avoid expensive roaming and spotty public Wi-Fi.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Las Vegas.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Things to Do
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown