Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Dallas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dallas or Las Vegas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Las Vegas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Dallas
Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous 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.
Dallas and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Dallas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for students
- Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- 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
Is there more to do in Dallas or Las Vegas?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Las Vegas is more touristy than Dallas 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. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.
How is Dallas different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Dallas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or Las Vegas?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Dallas and Las Vegas.
Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dallas or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Dallas is not a theatre destination.
The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Dallas is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Dallas or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
Las Vegas has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.
Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.
Is Dallas or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.
Is Dallas or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its live music scene. However, Dallas 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.
Dallas is not a live music destination.
Is Dallas or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Las Vegas is a perfect choice. 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.
Dallas is not a resort destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Las Vegas?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.
Is Dallas or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.
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 Dallas or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas 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.
Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.
Is Dallas or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.
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 Dallas or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.
For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Dallas?
How long in Dallas or Las Vegas?
Both Dallas 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 Dallas. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Dallas than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dallas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Dallas. 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 Dallas 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.
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How many days in Dallas or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayDallas 2-4Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Dallas or Las Vegas?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. 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 Dallas or Las Vegas?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic city of Dallas. 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 Dallas or Las Vegas?
Dallas 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDallas $141Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDallas $84Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDallas $168Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dallas $28Las Vegas $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:
- Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
- Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Dallas to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano or Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Plano/Allen to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Dallas Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
- Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport Transfer Any Part of Manila: $18
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila city hotels: $22
- Private Transfer: McCarran Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas City Center: $26
- Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO) : $46
- Private Transfer from Salomague Cruise Port to Laoag city hotels: $46
- Private Transfer from Laoag city hotels to Salomague Cruise Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Angeles City to Subic Bay Cruise Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Angeles City: $46
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Clark Airport (CRK): $46
- Private Arrival Transfer: From Las Vegas Airport: $48
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $50
- Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Dallas 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
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Food Meals for one dayDallas $35Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Dallas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:
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Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)$55
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Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.
- Happy Hour West Village Food Tour: $39
- West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
- Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
- Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
- Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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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.
- 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 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
- 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
- Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dallas $13Las Vegas $78
Tours and Activities in Dallas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:
- Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
- Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
- Kennedy Assassination Walking Tour - Oswald Was Framed: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
- Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
- Dallas Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $13
- JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
- Dallas Sightseeing Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDallas $12Las Vegas $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas
Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Dallas Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
- Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
- Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55
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
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- 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
- Fremont Street-Old Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
- Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dallas and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dallas Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dallas or Las Vegas?
Dallas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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.