Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Bilbao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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.
Bilbao
Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy 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.
Bilbao and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Bilbao
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Less popular with couples
Las Vegas
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
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Bilbao. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its historical sights. Las Vegas is more touristy than Bilbao 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. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.
How is Bilbao different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Bilbao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Bilbao and Las Vegas.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.
Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao 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.
Bilbao is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Bilbao or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.
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.
Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Bilbao for the nightlife scene. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.
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.
Bilbao is not a live music destination.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.
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.
Bilbao is not a resort destination.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Bilbao is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Bilbao to see the historical old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.
Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao 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 Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Bilbao is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.
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 Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao 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.
Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Bilbao is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.
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 Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Students?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Bilbao is a good destination for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Bilbao is a good city to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Is Bilbao or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Bilbao is notable for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors to Bilbao can move around easily with public transportation. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.
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 Bilbao or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Bilbao
Las Vegas
Bilbao and Las Vegas both are nice when exploring on foot.
Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Bilbao?
How long in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Both Bilbao 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 Bilbao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Bilbao than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bilbao, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Bilbao. 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao.
-
How many days in Bilbao or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayBilbao 2-3Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bilbao. 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.
Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Bilbao. 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.
Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Bilbao. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Bilbao 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.
Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBilbao $147Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is $147, 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 Bilbao and Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBilbao $78Las Vegas $158
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBilbao $156Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Bilbao 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: Bilbao Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bilbao $28Las Vegas $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private One way Airport Transfer Bilbao Airport to from Bilbao: $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
- Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
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:
- Airport Transfer: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer from Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas by electric vehicle: $87
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $202
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $143
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Van: $130
- Arrival Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas by Luxury SUV: $146
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $203
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Van: $130
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $82
- Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV: $146
- From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
- From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Bilbao 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 dayBilbao $48Las Vegas $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $135
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $156
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $198
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
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- 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
- 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
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
- Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bilbao $31Las Vegas $78
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $1.94
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Panoramic boat tour through the bay of Abra: $6.46
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $18
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
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:
- Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $7.19
- Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Henderson by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
- Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
- Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
- Vegas Highlights: Neon Lights & Desert - Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Las Vegas Neon & Secrets: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBilbao $23Las Vegas $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $81
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $188
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $201
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $217
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $241
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $242
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
- Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $45
- Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
- 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
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao is in Europe and Las Vegas is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Bilbao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bilbao Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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.