A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts

Should you visit Asheville or Las Vegas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Las Vegas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Asheville and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Not as many resort options
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Asheville or Las Vegas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Asheville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Asheville attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Las Vegas is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Las Vegas?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Asheville is not a theatre destination.

Las Vegas is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Asheville is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.


Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Las Vegas 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.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. 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.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.


Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Las Vegas?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Las Vegas make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Christmas?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Las Vegas does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Las Vegas does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its Christmas markets. However, Las Vegas does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Las Vegas does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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 Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.


Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Students?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville is notable for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Asheville
Las Vegas

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Las Vegas.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly 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 Asheville or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Asheville
Las Vegas

Asheville and Las Vegas both are nice when exploring on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable mountain town. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Las Vegas?

Both Asheville 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 Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Asheville. 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 Asheville than Las Vegas 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 Asheville.


  • How many days in Asheville or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Asheville 2-3 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Asheville or Las Vegas?

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Asheville or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Las Vegas?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Asheville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $133, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Asheville and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Asheville and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Asheville 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.

Hotels in Asheville


Hotels in Las Vegas


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: Asheville Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    Las Vegas $53

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:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $201
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $142
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Van: $130
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas by Luxury SUV: $144
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Car: $143
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Van: $129
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $82
  • Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV: $144
  • From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
  • From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95
  • From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
  • Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Asheville 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 day
    Asheville $33
    Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Asheville

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Asheville:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Asheville

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Asheville.

  • Electric Bike Tour of Asheville's Best Pizza: $98
  • Best Pizza E-bike Tour: $111

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.

  • Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
  • Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
  • Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asheville $16
    Las Vegas $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Downtown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Asheville's Famous Ghosts Smart Phone GPS APP Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Asheville's Historic Smart Phone Guided App (GPS) Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Asheville Historic Highlights: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Blue Ridge Parkway South Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Drive Tour w/ Audio Guide: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Driving Audio Tour (Asheville ↔ Roanoke): $12
  • Asheville Scavenger Hunt: Downtown Asheville Adventure: $12
  • Asheville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour in Hendersonville: $26
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : $27
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $27

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:

  • Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
  • Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Red Rock Canyon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Las Vegas Strip Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour : $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $39
  • Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Samples: $65
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $69
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville: $74
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $99
  • Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
  • Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
  • NIGHTOUT Vegas Bar Crawl: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asheville or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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.