A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durango vs. Las Vegas for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Durango 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 Durango 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.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Durango and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Las Vegas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Durango and Las Vegas are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Durango is known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Las Vegas is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Durango different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Skiing?

Durango is a moderate small town for snow skiing. However, Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.

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

Las Vegas is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Las Vegas just to party. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for live music. However, Durango is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is known as a music capital around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Durango is not a live music destination.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

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

Durango is a popular spot for hiking. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durango or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Las Vegas. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Christmas?

Durango is a good destination for its Christmas activities. However, Las Vegas does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango is a fun destination over Christmas. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Las Vegas does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durango or Las Vegas Better for Families?

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

Durango is a very family-friendly place to visit. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

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 Durango or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

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

Durango is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Las Vegas is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Durango or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Las Vegas is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Durango?

How long in Durango or Las Vegas?

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

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

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

One day in Durango or Las Vegas?

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Durango or Las Vegas?

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. 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 small town has to offer. This small town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.

Five days in Durango or Las Vegas?

Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Las Vegas?

Durango 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Durango or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Durango 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.