Key Highlights:
- Budget (The Hustler): $120 – $180. Stay Downtown or off-Strip, stick to food courts and happy hours, and enjoy free sights like the Bellagio Fountains.
- Mid-Range (The Strip Explorer): $250 – $450. Stay at a themed Strip resort, enjoy one nice sit-down dinner, and see a major show.
- Luxury (The High Roller): $850 – $1,500+. Stay at the Wynn or Bellagio, dine at Michelin-star spots like Joël Robuchon, and book VIP tables or helicopter tours.
Planning a trip to Sin City? Whether you’re a high roller or a bargain hunter, knowing your Las Vegas daily budget is the difference between a jackpot vacation and a financial bust. While Vegas has a reputation for being expensive, it remains one of the few places where you can truly “choose your own adventure” when it comes to spending.
I’ve crunched the latest numbers to give you an honest look at what things actually cost right now. From those pesky resort fees to the price of a celebrity-chef burger, here is what you should realistically plan to spend per day.
1. Accommodation: Nightly Rates and “Hidden” Fees
The “advertised” price of a Vegas hotel room is almost never the final price. Resort fees and parking costs are mandatory extras you must account for before you even unpack.
- Budget: Midweek deals at spots like The LINQ or Excalibur still hover around $40–$70, but weekends can easily triple that.
- Mid-Range: Popular resorts like The Venetian or New York-New York typically range from $150 to $300 per night.
- The Resort Fee Reality: Expect to pay an additional $35 to $55 per night at almost any Strip resort.
Direct Answer: To find the true cost of a Las Vegas hotel, add a mandatory resort fee of $45 (plus tax) and a daily self-parking fee of $18–$25 to your base nightly rate. Staying Downtown at gems like Four Queens or El Cortez can eliminate or significantly reduce these hidden costs.
Also Read: 10 Most Popular & Iconic Hotels in Las Vegas
2. Food and Drink: From Food Courts to Fine Dining
Food prices on the Strip have seen a significant jump. A “casual” lunch that used to be $15 is now closer to $25.
- Cheap Eats: Stick to food courts at Fashion Show Mall or Planet Hollywood. You can eat for $15–$25 per meal.
- Mid-Range Dining: A meal at a casual sit-down spot will cost $40–$70 per person including a drink and tip.
- Buffets: The legendary Bacchanal Buffet now costs roughly $87–$92 for dinner. If you want a buffet experience, budget at least $50 for brunch.
- Drinks: A draft beer at a casino bar averages $9–$12, while a contemporary cocktail at a trendy lounge is $18–$24.
Pro Tip: Drinks are still “free” while you are actively gambling, but you must tip your server at least $1–$2 per drink to keep the service moving!
Also Read: Free Drinks in Las Vegas Casinos: How It Really Works
3. Transportation: Getting Around Without Going Broke
Unless you plan on taking day trips to the Grand Canyon, don’t rent a car. Parking fees at hotels are now a major budget-killer.
- The Deuce (Bus): For $8, you get a 24-hour pass that runs 24/7 along the Strip and to Downtown. It is the absolute best value in town.
- The Monorail: Great for avoiding traffic on the East side of the Strip. A 24-hour pass is $13.45.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): A typical trip between hotels will cost $15–$25, though surge pricing during events can double this instantly.
Also Read: Best Way to Get Around Las Vegas
4. Entertainment and Attractions
Vegas has evolved into a world-class entertainment hub where the “free” stuff is getting rarer, but the paid experiences are more immersive.
- Shows: A ticket for a Cirque du Soleil show like “O” or KÀ starts around $99–$160.
- The Sphere: Tickets for immersive experiences or concerts typically start at $85–$115.
- Go City Pass: If you plan on doing 3+ major attractions (High Roller, Mob Museum, etc.), this pass starts around $164 and can save you roughly 35%.
Direct Answer: The best free attraction in Las Vegas remains the Bellagio Fountain show, which runs every 15–30 minutes in the evening. Pairing this with a walk through the Bellagio Conservatory is a high-impact, $0 way to experience the best of the Strip.
Las Vegas Daily Spending (Per Person)
Based on current 2026 travel data and late 2025 reports, here is what tourists are typically spending:
| Expense Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range | Luxury |
| Lodging | $80 – $120 | $150 – $250 | $500+ |
| Food & Drink | $50 – $80 | $120 – $180 | $300+ |
| Entertainment | $30 (Free shows) | $100 (Cirque) | $250+ (VIP) |
| Gambling | $20 – $50 | $100 – $200 | $500+ |
| Transport | $10 (Bus/Tram) | $40 (Rideshare) | $100+ (Limo) |
| Total Daily | ~$200 | ~$500 | $1,600+ |
Summary & Final Pro Tip
The secret to a successful Las Vegas daily budget is the “Sunday through Thursday” rule. If you can avoid Friday and Saturday nights, your hotel and show costs will drop by nearly 40%.
❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Daily Budget for Tourists
How much cash should I bring for gambling?
Most casual tourists budget $50–$100 per day. Remember: only play with money you are 100% comfortable losing. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Is it cheaper to stay Downtown than on the Strip?
Yes. Downtown hotels are generally 30% cheaper with much lower (or no) resort fees. Plus, table minimums are often $5–$10 compared to the Strip’s $15–$25.
Are there still “Cheap Breakfast” specials?
They are becoming rare relics, but places like Ocean One in the Miracle Mile Shops still offer a $5.99 breakfast or $12.99 lunch specials.
Keep Reading: