Think Las Vegas has to break the bank? Think again. With the right tips and tricks, Las Vegas on a budget is not only possible – it’s a lot of fun. Whether you’re planning your first visit to the US or traveling long-term, smart spending can go a long way in Sin City.
I’ve been to Las Vegas more times than I can count. It was always a dream of mine to play cards on the famous Strip and head out there for big boxing shows. It ended up being something I did at least once a year for over a decade. I’m no high roller though and always enjoyed exploring Las Vegas on a budget.
COVID stopped my trips for a few years, and since leaving the UK in 2022, Hannah and I have only made 1 trip to Vegas in 5 years! But I am writing this article in anticipation of our return visit next week. I’ve done all the research already, so you don’t have to!
Getting to Las Vegas Cheap
One of the biggest wins for budget travelers is that Las Vegas is a hub for several low-cost airlines offering deals to Harry Reid International Airport, especially mid-week. Flying in on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you significant amounts of money.
Visitors from Europe benefit from a couple of pretty decent daily trans-Atlantic flights. However, you will often pay a premium for not staying over a weekend. This is some weird arrangement with the Vegas tourist board I have never gotten to the bottom of. Always use Skyscanner to find the best Las Vegas flights.
If you’re traveling from within the US, bundling your flight with hotel deals through sites like Expedia can also slash costs. For those nearby, driving to Las Vegas can be another budget-friendly option, particularly if you secure free parking at your hotel. We are driving 5 hours from Phoenix next week.
Where to Stay on a Budget
You don’t have to splash out to get a great place to stay in Las Vegas. While big-name hotels on the Strip often look pricey at first glance, many offer mid-week deals that can rival budget motels. The LINQ, Excalibur, and Flamingo often have rooms well under $100 if you avoid weekends and holidays.
For even cheaper stays, consider Downtown Las Vegas – hotels like the El Cortez or The Four Queens offer great value with plenty of character. If you’re up for a more independent vibe, Airbnb options or extended-stay motels a few blocks off the Strip can bring the nightly cost even lower.
Long-term travelers may want to refer to this helpful post on how to travel the world on an accommodation budget. House sitting is also a viable option in Las Vegas – click here to learn more.
Beware of the Dreaded Resort Fee
Something that has annoyed me for years in Las Vegas is the resort fee. This is an additional and occasionally hidden cost when booking a hotel room. I am pleased to see that, finally, after almost 2 decades of these ridiculous fees being tagged on, some hotels are changing how things are done.
A resort fee usually includes mundane things like bottles of water in your room, free local phone calls, WiFi, and access to the gym, all things you may expect to be included when booking a hotel. The top Vegas hotels currently charge $55 (plus tax) per day per room for the resort fee, on top of what you already paid.
There is no way to get out of paying it either, trust me, I have tried. So, ensure that when you book a hotel online, the price you see is the price you pay. Hotels.com has been my go-to for our upcoming trip because they itemized the charges, including the resort fee. Click here for the 2025 Resort Fee Guide.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for high-end entertainment, and there is no shortage of world-class shows and events. But there are also plenty of free and cheap things to do that still capture the magic of the city.
The Bellagio fountains are iconic and run frequently throughout the day and night, completely free. Across the street, you’ll find the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, another free gem tucked away in plain sight.
Head downtown for the Fremont Street Experience, where light shows, street performers, and live music every night keep things lively every evening. Want something a little weirder? The Pinball Hall of Fame offers free entry and endless entertainment for just the quarters in your pocket.
Many casinos also feature free attractions, like the volcano show at The Mirage or circus acts at Circus Circus. Even just wandering through themed hotels like The Venetian or Paris can be a fun way to soak in the spectacle without spending a cent. You will also rack up the steps and burn off some calories!
Great Things to Do Near Las Vegas
If you have a car, there are some great free things to do within an easy drive of the Las Vegas Strip. I always enjoy visiting the iconic Hoover Dam, which is about 20 minutes away. First trip to the US? Clock up a second State by crossing the Dam and entering Arizona on the other side.
Primm is a small border town next to California and about 30 minutes from Vegas. It has a couple of great shopping options, places to eat, and a couple of cool old casinos.
The Grand Canyon is within driving distance but will take 2-3 hours each way, and the entry fee isn’t overly cheap once you get there, but it is well worth the visit. Head out to Lake Mead and hike the trails that surround the tranquil waters if you are craving a bit of the great outdoors.
Eating Well for Less
Forget the $200 steak dinners – Las Vegas has some of the best cheap eats in the US. If you’re near the Strip, try Tacos El Gordo for authentic, affordable Mexican food, or grab a slice from Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan (if you can find it).
Ellis Island Casino is a local favorite, offering hearty meals and beer brewed onsite at bargain prices. If you’re a buffet fan, check out the cheaper off-Strip options like the Garden Buffet at South Point or A.Y.C.E. Buffet at The Palms.
Food courts in places like the LINQ Promenade and the Downtown Container Park also have budget-friendly bites, often with happy hour specials that make your money go further.
Drinking in Las Vegas
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, some bars in Las Vegas are incredibly expensive. But there are still great places to find affordable drinks to balance out the costs of a few pricier cocktails later on.
Head to Casino Royal’s central bar for $3 beers and cocktails all day, every day. For years, beers here used to be $1, but sadly, that ship has sailed. It’s still a great deal for the central Strip. The Stage Door Casino is easily walkable from the strip and has great deals, like Budweiser for a buck.
Overall, getting away from the main strip and heading Downtown to Fremont Street is your best bet. Casino bars generally advertise cheap drinks to lure gamblers in, but there is no requirement to ever gamble anything when sitting at a bar. Here’s a great happy hour guide for Las Vegas.
Comped Drinks
Getting stuff comped isn’t just for the high rollers. If you find yourself playing a table game or are sitting at a casino bar with a slot machine in front of you, many places will serve you up free drinks while you are playing. You will be expected to still tip your servers, usually $1 per drink.
This system of comping has changed since I first started going to Vegas almost 20 years ago (damn!). You used to be able to put $10 in a machine, get a free beer, and walk away with your cash. 5 servers would circle the tables, bringing non-stop drinks while you played, it made losing $50 at the table worth it!
They monitor it a lot closer now and may be reluctant to comp you in some casinos. Many openly don’t comp ‘regular’ players at all, or have high minimum gambling thresholds. Gamble slowly and smart, and you can still make the drink seem cheap, plus you could also win a few bucks!
Cheap Gambling in Las Vegas
The cheapest way to gamble in Vegas is not to gamble at all. Those big, beautiful hotels and casinos you see weren’t built on winners, they were built thanks to many, many losers! But it’s Vegas, so if you fancy a flutter, make sure you do it responsibly, only risking what you can afford, and enjoy the experience.
Slot machines for a dollar or less are still very common all over Las Vegas, but table gambling for games such as blackjack generally has higher minimums. $5 per hand games can still be found at many Downtown and off-strip Casinos, some of the bigger Strip hotels may offer cheaper tables on weekdays.
I used to always stake out my spot at The Sahara when it was open, where $1 blackjack was a 24-hour a day thing. You could play for hours, enjoying comped drinks. The only places offering $1 blackjack now are the Downtown Grand and OYO (previously Hooters), but expect a wait for a seat on weekends.
Budget-Friendly Entertainment
Entertainment in Vegas doesn’t have to come with a triple-digit price tag. Discount ticket booths located along the Strip, like Tix4Tonight, sell same-day show tickets at up to 50% off. You can find everything from magic shows to stand-up comedy to variety performances without blowing your budget.
Daytime shows or weekday performances are often more affordable than evening or weekend ones. If you enjoy live music, many casinos and bars offer free performances with no cover charge. And of course, there’s always the classic Vegas pastime – people-watching on the Strip – which never gets old.
Big Elvis has been a Las Vegas staple for years. The plus-sized Elvis impersonator has his own star on the Las Vegas Boulevard and does fantastic shows 4 times a week at Harrah’s Piano Bar. Entry is free, but you will be expected to buy a drink when inside the bar, nurse a beer, and enjoy the great show.
Getting Around Without Blowing Your Bankroll
Transportation is another area where you can easily overspend in Vegas if you’re not careful. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are convenient, but they can add up quickly, especially with surge pricing.
The Deuce bus runs 24/7 along the Strip and to Downtown Las Vegas, with passes starting at just a few dollars. You can also buy a 2-hour pass, a day ticket, and a 3-day pass, saving even more. You can do this at select stops or on the bus.
If you’re staying close to the action, walking is your best bet, though be prepared for the distances – Vegas blocks are longer than most. Casinos are huge and seem closer than they are! Some casinos also offer free shuttles to certain areas, especially from off-strip hotels, so be sure to check in advance.
Extra Tips to Stretch Your Dollars
Every little bit helps when you’re traveling on a budget, and Las Vegas has some clever tricks to help you keep your spending low. Sign up for casino loyalty cards – even if you don’t gamble, they can get you discounts on meals, rooms, and shows.
Many hotels offer free drinks if you’re playing slots or table games, even at the penny level. Just tip your server and sip slowly. Bring your own water bottle and snacks – convenience stores on the Strip are incredibly overpriced. ATMs in casinos come with sky-high fees, so plan ahead with cash if possible.
For everyday items, take a short walk to Walgreens or CVS, both of which are located on the Strip and have much better prices.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Las Vegas on a Budget
Las Vegas is full of flash and extravagance, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend big to enjoy it. From free shows and cheap eats to budget hotels and discounted entertainment, there are endless ways to experience Sin City without draining your savings.
With a little planning and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious, your Vegas trip can be both memorable and affordable. And if you’re heading to the US for the first time, don’t miss these top insider tips for first-time visitors to the USA – they’ll help you avoid rookie mistakes and make the most of your trip.
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