Las Vegas Trip Cost in 2025 | Smart Budgeting Guide
- Sergio Barbasso
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Planning a Las Vegas trip in 2025? Our Smart Budgeting Guide by locals breaks down all costs: hotels, meals, shows, and transport. Learn insider tips to save money, avoid tourist traps, and make the most of your Vegas experience. Perfect for smart travelers who want a real local perspective.
Las Vegas has changed a lot in the past few years, for both us locals and especially for international and domestic travelers.
It’s no longer the dirt-cheap playground it once was—back when Californians would drive in for buffet marathons and luxury rooms at laughable prices.
Add a wave of uncertainty around traveling to the U.S., combined with years of nickel-and-diming visitors for every possible fee, and the result is clear: a noticeable drop in tourism in early 2025.
But that’s actually good news—especially if you're planning your trip now.
Many hotels and casinos are making strategic moves to win tourists back. Some, like Resorts World, have reintroduced free parking, while others are lowering or eliminating certain fees midweek or in off-peak seasons.
Las Vegas is still one of the most flexible, exciting, and experience-rich cities in the U.S. when it comes to budgeting—if you know how to play your cards right.
With our constantly updated local insights, this is actually one of the best moments to visit Vegas smartly, knowing in advance what you’ll spend, where the hidden fees are, and how to get the best value in 2025.
Currency, Exchange & Tipping
What Visitors Get Wrong
The official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). As of mid-2025, 1 USD = ~0.90 EUR, but exchange rates shift—check Google before converting.
Most international travelers either lose money at the airport or overpay by letting their card convert to their home currency.
Smart Tips:
Avoid changing cash at the airport or inside hotels—fees are painfully high.
Withdraw directly from an ATM at a real bank (not inside casinos).
When using your card, always choose to be charged in USD, not your local currency.
American bills all look the same—green, same size—so it’s easy to mix up a $50 with a $5 when tipping. Double-check before you hand it over!
U.S. coins are even trickier: bigger isn’t worth more. If in doubt, just show your coins—locals are used to it and happy to help.
Pro Tip: Our Digital Guide includes money cheat-sheets based on your home country’s currency, tipping culture, and spending habits, so you avoid confusion and awkward moments.
How Much Do You Need Per Day in Las Vegas in 2025?
Everyone wants to know,
“Is Vegas expensive?”
The real answer is: it depends on how prepared you are.
From street tacos to five-star sushi, from a $10 night downtown to $10,000 bottle service—it’s all here.
But the difference between a mediocre and a mind-blowing trip?
Smart planning, not just money.
Here’s how your daily budget could look:
Budget Traveler – Around $100/day
Yes, it’s possible—but it requires intentional choices.
Stay: Budget hotels or motels in Downtown, Henderson, or just off the Strip
Eat: Fast food, food courts, or local diners with lunch specials
Do: Free attractions like the Bellagio fountains, Fremont Street shows, and the Flamingo Habitat
Save: Use Groupon, download coupon apps, and book shows on Vegas.com well in advance using the banner below:
Mid-Range Traveler – $100–$250/day
This is the sweet spot for most smart travelers who want value and comfort.
Stay: Mid-range Strip hotels (just beware of resort fees!)
Eat: Casual restaurants, happy hours, or buffet brunches
Do: One or two paid attractions—Cirque du Soleil shows, the High Roller, or museum passes
Transport: Uber/Lyft or the Monorail; consider renting a car just for day trips
Luxury Traveler – $250+/day
Vegas will treat you like royalty—if your card can handle it.
Stay: Bellagio, The Venetian, Wynn, or NoMad
Eat: Michelin-starred dining, rooftop cocktail experiences, or food tours
Do: VIP club access, front-row show seats, helicopter flights over the Strip
Bonus: Private limo service, designer shopping, spa retreats, or luxury Grand Canyon excursions
Parking in Las Vegas (2025 Update)
Remember when parking in Vegas was free everywhere? We do too.
Today, it’s a different story:
Most hotels now charge $10–$25 per day for parking
Valet? Expect more, especially on weekends
Locals with ID still park free in many places, but not all
A few properties (like Resorts World) have started offering free parking again midweek to boost visitation
Smart Move:
Always check your hotel’s parking policy before booking. Several of them charge you for parking even though you book one of their rooms!
Many offer free or discounted parking if you join their rewards program online
Downtown is usually cheaper—flat rates like $5–$10/day are common
Hidden Costs That Can Add Up Quickly
Vegas isn’t just about what you spend—it’s about how you spend it. These are the charges that surprise unprepared travelers the most:
Resort Fees: Often not listed in booking prices. Budget $30–$50/night extra.
Bottled Water: On the Strip, it can run $7–$10. Buy in bulk at CVS or Target.
Tipping: It’s not optional here. Budget 15–20% for restaurants and $1–$2 per service (valets, bartenders, etc.).
Wi-Fi: Some hotels charge unless you book directly or join their loyalty program.
Can You Still Do Vegas on a Budget?
Absolutely—if you’re intentional about it. Vegas
Vegas doesn’t punish people with smaller budgets. It punishes people who land here with a zero plan.
Smart travelers win in Vegas when they:
Book in advance (especially hotels and shows)
Know when to splurge vs. when to save
Don’t assume everything is “just around the corner.”
Avoid time-wasting tourist traps disguised as “experiences.”
(We wrote an entire survival guide for visiting Las Vegas during the Formula 1 madness in November—check it out if your trip overlaps with big events.)
Budget Isn’t Everything. Planning Is.
Las Vegas will happily take your money, but it will reward your planning even more. And in a city this intense, that’s a difference you feel in your wallet, your energy, and your memories.
So, ask yourself:
How much better would your trip be if you traveled smart, without falling into traps, wasting time, or paying more than you should?
That’s the reason we created Getawayk™—to help travelers like you see more, spend better, and understand the culture they’re stepping into.
Want to unlock the real Las Vegas while getting the most out of your budget? Get the Getawayk™ Digital Guide: packed with curated tips, hidden-gem routes, budget-smart planning, and zero tourist fluff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a 3-day trip to Vegas?
On average, around $600–$1,200 per person for mid-range travel. But trust us—Vegas can be as cheap or as luxe as you want.
Is Las Vegas expensive in 2025 compared to other years?
Yep, prices are definitely creeping up—especially around big events and weekends. Planning early not only helps, but it's necessary!
How can I save money while still enjoying Vegas?
Skip overpriced “tourist traps,” take advantage of weekday hotel rates, and use guides like ours to avoid rookie mistakes.
Are all shows and attractions paid?
Not at all. There’s a solid list of free things to do if you know where to look (we’ve got that list in our digital guides, by the way).
