Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Phoenix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Las Vegas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Phoenix travel costs.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Las Vegas travel costs.
Phoenix and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Phoenix
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Phoenix is more popular for its hiking. Las Vegas is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.
How is Phoenix different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Phoenix. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Phoenix is not a theatre destination.
Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Las Vegas that are not to be missed. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Phoenix is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Phoenix or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Many restaurants in Las Vegas have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.
The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Phoenix is not a live music destination.
Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Phoenix is not a live music destination.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.
Las Vegas is a world class resort vacation destination. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Phoenix is not a resort destination.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.
Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.
Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix and Las Vegas both offer respectable public transit to get you around.
Public transit is mostly limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.
Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a entertainment capital with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.
For even more information, also check out Is Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Phoenix?
How long in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Both Phoenix and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Phoenix. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas than Phoenix if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Las Vegas.
-
How many days in Phoenix or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayPhoenix 1-3Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Phoenix. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Phoenix. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.
Five days in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Phoenix. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Phoenix is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
-
Phoenix Prices
USA PricesLas Vegas Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhoenix $276Las Vegas $369
The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $276, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $369. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Phoenix and Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhoenix $144Las Vegas $158
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhoenix $288Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Phoenix or Las Vegas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Phoenix Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phoenix $39Las Vegas $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
- Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $152
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $154
- Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
-
24 Hr Bus Pass$15
-
24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
-
Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- From Private Transfer to Zion National Park: $2,592
- Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $1,600
- West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $549
- Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $329
- Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $261
- Outdoor Shooting Experience with Transfer and Lunch in Las Vegas: $250
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $235
- Arrival Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV or LIMO with 1 hour disposal : $231
- Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $220
- From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
- Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Lake Las Vegas - Round-Trip Transfer: $190
- Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Lake Las Vegas - Round-Trip Transfer: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Phoenix change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayPhoenix $90Las Vegas $139
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
-
Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
-
Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
- Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
- Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
-
Coffee$5.00
-
Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
-
Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
-
Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Manila Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $44
- Cowboy Christmas Show & Dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson NV: $49
- "Blockbuster Beats" show & dinner at the Firelight Barn: $49
- "Rockin' Through Time" show & dinner at Firelight Barn: $49
- "31 String Showdown" show & dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $65
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila Food Tour Experience with Local Guide: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience : $73
- 2 Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
- 2-Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class: $75
- Chocolate Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phoenix $40Las Vegas $78
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Scottsdale by Operation City Quest: $10
- Phoenix Suns Basketball Game Ticket: $10
- Scottsdale Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $18
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $19
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Historic Walking Tour: $25
- RoRo Street Art Walking Tour: $25
- Wings of Fire & Whispers of the Desert Phoenix Ghost Tours: $27
- Drunk Shakespeare Ticket: Phoenix, AZ: $29
- Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
-
Wedding Chapel$139
-
Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
-
Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
-
Monorail Ride$5.00
-
NY NY Rollercoaster$14
-
Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- 1 Hour Private Las Vegas Party Bus Tour: $225
- All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $164
- Ghost Town(Eldorado Canyon) with Gold Mine Tour: $159
- Lake Mead Private Tour by Boat: $285
- Manila Guided: Tondo Manila, Binondo and Intramuros Tour: $45
- Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
- Small Group Hoover Dam: From Above, On Top and Below Tour: $100
- 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $289
- 1-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Stargazing & Sunrise: $450
- 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
- 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
- 100 Island: Pangasinan Island Hopping Tour: $73
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhoenix $17Las Vegas $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
- Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $35
- Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $35
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Happy Hour Bar Crawl! Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour: $39
- Bars Unknown: The Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
- Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $49
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $53
- Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Mixed Drinks: $59
- Vegas Country Bar Crawl: Party Bus & Drinks Included: $59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Phoenix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phoenix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phoenix and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas than you might in Phoenix.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phoenix Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix and Las Vegas, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.