Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Denver?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Denver or Las Vegas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Las Vegas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Denver
Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and hiking.
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.
Denver and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Denver
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for students
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less walkable
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
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Denver or Las Vegas?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Denver and Las Vegas are popular destinations, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is very popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Las Vegas is more touristy than Denver 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. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.
How is Denver different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Denver. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Skiing?
Denver
Las Vegas
Denver is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.
Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.
Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Denver or Las Vegas?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.
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.
While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Denver is not a theatre destination.
Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Denver is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Denver or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver 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.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its live music scene. However, Denver 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.
Denver is not a live music destination.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.
Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.
Denver is not a resort destination.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?
Denver
Las Vegas
Denver is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.
Denver offers some nice hiking trails. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.
Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Denver or Las Vegas?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver 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.
Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Denver
Las Vegas
Denver is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.
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 Denver or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.
Denver is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Students?
Denver
Las Vegas
Denver is a good destination for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Denver is a good city to visit for students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Is Denver or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Denver
Las Vegas
Denver 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.
Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.
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 Denver or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Denver
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver 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.
Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.
For even more information, also check out Is Denver Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Denver?
How long in Denver or Las Vegas?
Both Denver 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 Denver. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Denver than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Denver, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Denver. 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 Denver 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 Denver or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayDenver 2-3Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Denver or Las Vegas?
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Denver. 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 Denver or Las Vegas?
You'll find shopping and skiing around the accessible destination of Denver. 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 Denver or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the suburban city of Denver. 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 Denver or Las Vegas?
Denver 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 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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDenver $218Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Denver is $218, 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 Denver and Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDenver $87Las Vegas $158
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDenver $174Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Denver and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Denver 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: Denver Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Denver $101Las Vegas $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
- Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN): $44
- Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Transfer in Private Car from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN) : $73
- Denver Airport Private Transfer to Denver(downtown): $76
- Transfer in Private Car from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Downtown: $77
- Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $96
- Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $98
- Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $111
- Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $111
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Round-Trip Transfer: $124
- Private Arrival Transfer from Denver International Airport: $125
- Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer: $140
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:
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $23
- Private Transfer: McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas : $43
- Private Transfer from Laoag City Airport (LAO) to Salomague Port : $47
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Angeles City: $47
- Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO) : $47
- Private Transfer from Angeles City to Subic Bay Cruise Port: $47
- Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
- Private Departure Transfer to Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $54
- Private Transfer from Manila City Hotels to Subic Bay Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Ninoy Aquino Airport(MNL): $54
- Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $54
- Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Denver or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Denver 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 dayDenver $42Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
-
Sushi Dinner (for 2)$61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
- Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
- Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $60
- LoHi Denver Food Tour: $71
- LoHi Neighborhood Food Tour: $71
- RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $79
- Downtown Denver Food Tour: $79
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
- Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO: $80
- The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver, CO: $86
- walking Secret Food Tour: $98
- Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
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.
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila Food Tour Experience with Venus: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Private Manila Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $81
- Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
- Las Vegas Downtown walking Secret Food Tour: $91
- Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110
- Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show: $112
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Denver $52Las Vegas $78
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
- Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $3.41
- Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
- Denver's Art District Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
- Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.28
- Denver’s Downtown: Past and Present In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure on Your Phone: $10
- Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $10
- Sights & Highlights Walking tour: $11
- Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
- Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
- Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket: $16
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:
- Las Vegas Strip: Quest Experience: $7.33
- BEEsita Sa Bukid - Guided Bee Farm Tour: $9.81
- 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 Henderson by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
- Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Las Vegas Day Trips: Beautiful Scenic Driving Tour: $15
- Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDenver $5.31Las Vegas $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
- California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting: $30
- Denver Pub Crawl in RiNo Arts District: $33
- Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $35
- Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit/Beer Tasting: $39
- Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
- Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
- Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
- Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
- Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
- Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum Admission: $12
- Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $15
- Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $15
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Must-See Bars: A Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $39
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Denver and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Denver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Denver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Denver 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 Denver.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Denver Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Denver or Las Vegas?
Denver has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Denver 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.