Is Las Vegas Expensive for Tourists? 2026 Cost Guide

Key Highlights

Daily Budgets: Budget travelers can survive on $90–$150/day, while a mid-range experience typically costs $250–$450/day.
Hidden Costs: Expect to pay $45–$62 per night in mandatory resort fees at almost every Strip hotel.
Food Hack: Skip hotel cafes for breakfast; hit a Strip-side CVS or Walgreens for water, snacks, and essentials to save 50% or more.
Best Value: Stay midweek (Monday–Thursday) to get rooms for a fraction of the Friday/Saturday price.

Is Las Vegas expensive for tourists? The short answer is yes, it can be—but it doesn’t have to be. From $500-a-night luxury suites to “secret” $5 blackjack tables, Sin City is a choose-your-own-adventure destination where your budget is entirely in your hands.

I’ve seen Vegas change from the land of the “99-cent shrimp cocktail” to a world-class luxury hub. Today, while “cheap” Vegas is harder to find, it’s still very much alive if you know where to look. In this guide, I’m breaking down the honest costs of a Vegas vacation so you can plan a trip that leaves you with more than just pocket change.

The Real Cost of Hotels: Strip vs. Downtown

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When people ask if Vegas is expensive, they are usually looking at the room rates. Las Vegas has a massive supply of rooms, which keeps prices competitive, but the “nightly rate” you see on Expedia is rarely the final price.

The Strip: The Center of the Action

Staying on the Strip (Las Vegas Blvd) puts you in the heart of the neon. Luxury spots like Wynn or The Venetian can run $300–$900+ per night. However, budget icons like The Flamingo, LINQ, or Excalibur often offer midweek deals as low as $40–$80.

The Resort Fee Trap: Almost every Strip hotel adds a resort fee. Whether you use the pool or not, you’ll pay roughly $45–$62 (including tax) per night on top of your room rate. Aria, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace currently sit at the higher end of this range ($55–$62 plus tax).

Downtown: The Budget Hero

If you want to save, head to Fremont Street (Downtown). Hotels like The D, Golden Nugget, or Four Queens (which famously has $0 resort fees in some towers) are generally 20–40% cheaper than the Strip. Plus, the gambling minimums and drink prices are significantly lower.

Also Read: 12 Cheap & Best Hotels In Downtown Las Vegas

Dining and Food Costs: From Food Courts to Celebrity Chefs

Vegas is a foodie paradise, but it’s also where a burger and fries can cost you $30 if you aren’t careful.

Affordable Eats: You can still find “Budget Vegas” in food courts. Spots like the Miracle Mile Shops or the LINQ Promenade have casual options (In-N-Out, Earl of Sandwich) where a meal costs $15–$25. For a real sit-down steal, Ocean One inside Planet Hollywood still offers a legendary $5.99 lunch menu.
The Breakfast Hack: Avoid hotel breakfast cafes. A coffee and a pastry at a casino cafe can easily hit $20. Head to a nearby Eggslut inside the Cosmopolitan for a high-quality sandwich under $15, or hit the Polaris Street Café just off-Strip for a $10 omelet.
Fine Dining and Buffets: If you want the “Grand Buffet” experience, expect to pay for it. The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace now costs between $85 and $92 per person for dinner. Fine dining at a celebrity chef spot like Hell’s Kitchen typically runs $75–$150 per person without alcohol.

Also Read: 15 Top Restaurants in Las Vegas You Must Try

Entertainment and Gambling: Managing Your Bankroll

This is where Vegas gets expensive fast. Between $200 show tickets and $25 minimum blackjack tables, your budget can vanish in an hour.

Shows: Cirque du Soleil tickets generally range from $80 to $250. To save, look for afternoon matinees or visit a Tix4Vegas booth on the Strip for last-minute discounts.
Gambling: If you’re a casual player, stick to the $5 or $10 tables found Downtown or at off-Strip spots like Ellis Island. On the Strip, finding a table under $25 on a weekend is nearly impossible; look for Slots A Fun (next to Circus Circus) which still offers rare $5 table games.
Free Fun: You can have a great time for $0. The Bellagio Fountains, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, and the Fremont Street Experience light shows are completely free and truly world-class attractions.

Also Read: 15 Best Casinos in Las Vegas: Ranked by Type of Player

A Trusted Friend’s Final Tip

Vegas is only as expensive as you make it. My favorite way to save? I buy a case of water and some “room snacks” at the CVS across from the Park MGM the moment I arrive. I’ve easily saved $100 per trip just by not buying $9 bottles of water from the hotel minibar.

❓ FAQ: Is Las Vegas Expensive for Tourists?

How much cash should I bring for 3 days in Vegas?

For a mid-range trip, I recommend $600–$900 per person (roughly $200–$300 per day). This covers decent meals, one show, some Uber rides, and a small gambling budget. If you are staying on a strict budget, you can get by on $300 total by eating at food courts and focusing on free attractions.

Is it expensive to drink in Las Vegas?

Yes. A single cocktail at a nice Strip bar can cost $18–$24. To save, remember that drinks are “free” while you are actively gambling at a machine or table—just be sure to tip your server at least $2 per drink to keep them coming back!

Are Ubers and Lyfts expensive in Vegas?

A ride from the Airport to the Strip usually costs $20–$35. To save money, use the Deuce Bus, which runs 24/7 along the Strip for just $8 for a 24-hour pass, or the Las Vegas Monorail ($5.50 for a single ride, $13.45 for a 24-hour pass).

Disclaimer: Gambling involves risk. Please gamble responsibly.

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