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

Should you visit Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flagstaff and Las Vegas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sinful, fun-filled, and entertaining entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Flagstaff and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Flagstaff. Las Vegas is bigger than Flagstaff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Flagstaff is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Flagstaff and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66.

How is Flagstaff different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.


Is Flagstaff or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Flagstaff is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Las Vegas that are not to be missed. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Flagstaff is not a theatre destination.

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

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Las Vegas have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Flagstaff. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Flagstaff or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Las Vegas is a world class party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.


Is Flagstaff or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Flagstaff is not a live music destination.

In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Flagstaff is not a live music destination.

Is Flagstaff or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

Las Vegas is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

Is Flagstaff or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Flagstaff is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Flagstaff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Las Vegas is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Flagstaff or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

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

Flagstaff is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

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 Flagstaff or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for couples, as it 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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.


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

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

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

Public transit is generally limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

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 Flagstaff or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Flagstaff
Las Vegas

Flagstaff and Las Vegas both are notable when exploring on foot.

Flagstaff is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Flagstaff?

How long in Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

Both Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Flagstaff, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

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


  • How many days in Flagstaff or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Flagstaff 2-4 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

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

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

A weekend in Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventurous destination of Flagstaff. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous city of Flagstaff. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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


A week in Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

Flagstaff is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Flagstaff?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Flagstaff is $166, 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 Flagstaff and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Flagstaff $86
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Flagstaff $172
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Flagstaff and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Flagstaff or Las Vegas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Flagstaff


Hotels in Las Vegas


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Flagstaff Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Flagstaff $37
    Las Vegas $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Flagstaff change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Flagstaff $55
    Las Vegas $80

Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

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

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Flagstaff $28
    Las Vegas $78

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

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

  • Grand Canyon South Rim: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $11
  • Full-Day Grand Canyon South Rim Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Grand Canyon South Rim: Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Sedona: $13
  • Flagstaff, AZ: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Flagstaff, AZ: $15
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Family Friendly Haunted Walking Tour: $25
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Downtown Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
  • Flagstaff Ghosts Tour By Us Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Mountain Town Of Madness, Original *Adult Only* Haunted Downtown Flagstaff Tour: $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Flagstaff $29
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $50
  • Haunted Pub Crawl with Guide: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Flagstaff or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Flagstaff 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.