How Much Money to Bring to Vegas (2024 Budget)
Your plane tickets are booked, and your hotel reservations are made…you’re going to Las Vegas! But wait – is your wallet ready for the trip? Figuring out how much money to bring to Vegas can be confusing and requires a thoughtful approach.
Buckle up for a journey through your Las Vegas vacation budget. This guide will ensure you bring the right amount of money for a great time, no matter your budget!
Key Takeaways:
- Plan to spend $100-$500 per person daily in Las Vegas, with the average cost being approximately $340 per person per day.
- Your daily budget will vary significantly based on your planned activities.
- If you’re gambling heavily, expect to spend a lot more.
ALSO SEE: How to Bring and Carry Money in Las Vegas (Explained)
Determining Your Initial Las Vegas Budget
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Las Vegas saw nearly 40 million visitors in 2022. On average, each one of these tourists spent $1,156 while in town. This is just the money they spent during their stay in Vegas, not including travel costs and hotel.
How much money you need to take to Vegas depends on how you plan on spending your time. With the average time spent in Las Vegas being a 3-night 4-day stay, visitors can fit in a lot of entertainment and activities.
So, planning what you intend to do while you’re in Las Vegas will allow you to budget your daily expenses appropriately.
RELATED: Want to know how long to stay in Las Vegas? We’ve written an article that will help.
How Much Spending Money to Take to Las Vegas (Cash)
So, let’s get to the heart of the matter. After you’ve booked or budgeted for travel and hotel rooms, it’s time to see how much spending money you’ll want to bring to Las Vegas.
The amount you’ll need is based on two numbers provided by Statista.com. Here are the facts:
- The average length of stay in Las Vegas is 3.4 nights.
- The average amount a visitor to Las Vegas spends during a visit (not including travel costs or hotels) is $1,156.
If you divide $1,156 by 3.4 nights, you’ll arrive at the magic number. You’ll want to bring $340 in spending money per person per day to Las Vegas.
Here is an approximate breakdown of the average amount of money each person will spend each day:
| Category | Hypothetical Daily Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food & Drink | 115 |
| Entertainment | 85 |
| Tours | 65 |
| Shopping | 50 |
| Transportation | 25 |
| Total | $340 |
Your priorities may be different, however. For instance, you may want to spend less on food and drink and more on entertainment. Also, keep in mind that gambling isn’t included in the list above and can rapidly increase how much money you’ll need to bring.
Remember, $340 is an average. Your actual amount may go up or down depending on your taste for fancy living.
Spending Depending on the Number of Days in Vegas
Depending on the length of their stay, visitors to Las Vegas often inquire about the recommended amount of money to bring along.
I’ve put together the table below based on a range of spending depending on the days you stay in Vegas.
| # of Days | Expected Spending | Min. Spending | Max Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $340 | $255 | $425 |
| 2 | $680 | $510 | $850 |
| 3 | $1,020 | $765 | $1,275 |
| 4 | $1,360 | $1,020 | $1,700 |
| 5 | $1,700 | $1,275 | $2,125 |
| 6 | $2,040 | $1,530 | $2,550 |
| 7 | $2,380 | $1,785 | $2,975 |
A couple of things to note about the table:
- Spending less than the minimum amounts shown is possible. You may discover, however, that you’re missing out on some of the best Vegas experiences.
- A maximum spending amount is also listed, providing a healthy budget for getting the most out of your trip. Please note, however, that spending far more than the maximum amounts listed is easily possible if you’re so inclined.
Vegas Spending Money Calculator
You can use this budgeting calculator we developed to determine your Vegas spending money needs based on your length of stay and your own personal spending habits.
Simply enter your estimated daily expenses by category, and the number of days your staying to calculate the amount of spending money you’ll need to bring with you on your trip to Vegas.
You don’t want to risk overspending or ending up with too little to enjoy all Las Vegas offers. This spending calculator will help create a realistic budget tailored to your preferences and ensure your trip to Vegas is both thrilling and financially sound.
Keep reading to learn more about each line item in the calculator and what you should expect to spend in each category.
Average Cost of Food and Drink in Las Vegas
Let’s break down what you can expect to spend on dining and drinks in Vegas.
Food Costs
Average meal costs in Las Vegas can vary from $25 buffets to an all-out splurge at a celebrity-owned restaurant. For instance, at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Hell’s Kitchen, you can spend as little as $40 for lunch or up to $155 a person for a three-course meal with wine.
| Dining Option | Cost Range (Per Person) | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Buffets | $25 – $55 | Average cost range per meal |
| Hell’s Kitchen | $40 – $155 | Entre ($40) to three-course meal with wine ($155) |
| Fast Food | $8 – $15 | Variable, generally inexpensive per meal |
| 3-Night Stay (Budget) | < $250 | Total food and beverage cost |
| 3-Night Stay (Splurge) | > $450 | Total food and beverage cost |
| High-End Culinary Experience | $1,500 – $2,000+ | Possible cost for a few days of fine dining |
Of course, fast food options are always available if you’d rather spend your money on other delights that Vegas has to offer.
So how much you spend on food is entirely up to you. The options here vary quite a bit. You could spend less than $250 for a three-night stay or more than $450 on food and beverages if you so choose. On the high end, a complete Las Vegas culinary experience could easily cost $1,500 to over $2,000 in just a few days.
So if you are a foodie and fine dining is your thing, you can expect to spend more than the $340 a day average. If, on the other hand, upscale dining isn’t a priority for you, there are plenty of opportunities to get good food, eat relatively inexpensively, and dial back your daily expenses.
Drink Costs
Drink prices in Las Vegas can vary widely depending on the venue and the type of drink you order. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $7 to $15 for a standard beer, while mixed drinks can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 or more.
Here are some example Vegas drink prices:
| Drink Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer | $7 – $10 |
| Import Beer | $8 – $10 |
| Mixed Drinks | $12 – $15 |
| Mixed Shots | $10 |
| Cognacs | $12 – $15 |
| Red Bull Drinks | $18 – $20 |
| Exotic Mixed Drinks | $20 – $30 |
| Bottled Water | $8 – $10 |
| Cans of Red Bull | $12 |
High-end nightclubs and bars may charge even more for premium drinks and bottle service. It’s a good idea to budget accordingly and be prepared to spend more than you would at your local bar or nightclub.
ALSO SEE: How Much to Budget for Food in Las Vegas (Average Cost to Eat!)
Entertainment Costs
Entertainment costs in Las Vegas can vary significantly based on the type of activity, show, or venue you choose.
Here are some general cost ranges for various forms of entertainment in Las Vegas, keeping in mind that prices can fluctuate based on demand, special events, and other factors:
| Category | Item/Activity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Shows | Cirque du Soleil | $70 – $200+ per person |
| Concerts and Headliner Shows | $50 – Several hundred dollars | |
| Magic Shows | $30 – $100+ | |
| 2. Nightclubs | General Admission | $20 – $100 per person |
| VIP Table Service | $500 – $10,000+ | |
| 3. Attractions | High Roller Observation Wheel | $25 (day), $37 (night) |
| Madame Tussauds | Approximately $30 per person | |
| Shark Reef Aquarium | $25 per adult, $19 per child | |
| 4. Activities | Golf | $50 – Several hundred dollars |
| Spa Services | $100 – $500 | |
| Skydiving | $200 – $300 | |
| 5. Tours | Grand Canyon Tours | $80 – $500+ |
| Hoover Dam Tours | Starting from $50 | |
| City Tours | $30 – $100 |
Alternatively, if your budget is tight, you could instead focus on the many free things to do in Las Vegas.
Budgeting for Gambling
The amount of money to bring to Las Vegas for gambling greatly depends on your personal financial situation and preferences. The general guideline is to only to bring what you can afford to lose.
| Budget Type | Daily Gambling Budget |
|---|---|
| Modest Budget | $25 – $50 |
| Moderate Budget | $100 – $200 |
| Lavish Budget | $500 – $1,000 |
For a modest budget, you might allocate $25-$50 per day for gambling, while a moderate budget might involve a daily allocation of $100-$200, and a more lavish gambling experience might necessitate a budget of $500-$1,000 per day or more.
Remember to set strict daily spending limits, stick to them, and consider setting aside any winnings to prevent spending them. Always prioritize responsible gambling and view losses as the cost of entertainment, not as actual financial losses.
If you’re staying multiple days, divide your total gambling budget by the number of days to ensure you have funds to gamble with each day. Regardless of the budget, ensuring that your gambling funds are separate from your essential spending money is crucial to enjoying your time without facing financial strains.
RELATED: Find out how much you must play to get comped in Vegas.
Figuring Your Shopping Budget in Las Vegas
Shopping expenditures in Las Vegas will depend on your interests and budget. The city has many great shopping venues, from high-end boutiques to affordable shops and outlet malls.
Here are some general ideas of what you might expect to spend on shopping per day, categorized by budget:
| Budget Type | Daily Shopping Budget | Expectations |
|---|---|---|
| Modest Budget | $50 – $150 | Souvenirs, small gifts, affordable clothing, or accessories from mid-range stores |
| Moderate Budget | $150 – $500 | Mix of mid-range and some high-end stores; clothing, accessories, and souvenirs |
| Lavish Budget | $500 – $2,000+ | High-end designer goods, luxury accessories, and fine jewelry |
Additional Notes:
- Designer Boutiques: Purchases can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per item.
- Outlet Malls: Expect to spend anywhere from $20 for smaller items to a few hundred for larger purchases.
- Souvenir Shops: Items like t-shirts, mugs, and trinkets typically sell under $30 each.
- Sales Tax: An additional cost will be added to your purchases at checkout.
Remember that these are general estimates, and spending can vary considerably based on individual preferences and shopping habits.
RECOMMENDED: Discover the 12 most amazing malls in Las Vegas.
Costs of Transportation in Las Vegas
Now, let’s figure out what getting around in Las Vegas will cost. Several options are available, including a convenient and inexpensive public transportation system.
- Many taxis and Ubers are available, ensuring wait times are short.
- There is an extensive monorail system that regularly travels up and down the east side of the Strip.
- Then there are the famous double-decker buses (Las Vegas public bus system) called the Deuce.
- There are even a few free trams that you can use to get around parts of the Strip.
Taxis are numerous in Las Vegas, with most hotels having access to a taxi stand. Just getting in the taxi and starting the meter is $3.50, and the rate for every 1/12th of a mile is $.023, so you will be looking at $2.76 for a mile.
If you are flying into Las Vegas, there is an additional pick-up charge of $2 when you are being picked up at the airport in a taxi.
| Transport Type | Cost Details | Notes & Additional Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis | Initial Fare: $3.50 Rate: $2.76 per mile | Additional pick-up charge of $2 at the airport |
| Monorail | Single Ride: $5 Unlimited Day Pass: $13 Unlimited 3-Day Pass: $29 | Fast and convenient for traveling up and down the Strip |
| Deuce (Bus System) | 2-Hour Pass: $6 24-Hour Pass: $8 3-Day Pass: $20 | Iconic double-decker buses, slower but economical |
| Free Trams | Free | Available on some parts of the Strip |
| Uber | Variable | Price depends on demand, distance, and type of service requested |
The monorail system makes getting up and down the Las Vegas strip a breeze. The monorail is quick and easy, making waits fairly short. A single ride costs $5, an Unlimited Day Pass is $13, and the Unlimited 3-Day pass is $29.
(For more info about the monorail and how to get discount tickets, check out our article here).
The Deuce double-decker buses are iconic on the Strip and in Las Vegas’s downtown area and run a route between various popular locations. The passes for using the Deuce run from a $6 fee for a two-hour pass, $8 for a twenty-four-hour pass, and $20 for a three-day pass.