A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

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Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a high energy, scenic, and bustling coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sinful, fun-filled, and entertaining entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Fort Lauderdale
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
Las Vegas
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less family-friendly


How is Fort Lauderdale different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas Better for Food?

Fort Lauderdale
Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Fort Lauderdale.

Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city 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.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Las Vegas

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs.

Las Vegas is a must-see 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Las Vegas

There are resorts to choose from in both Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas Better for Shopping?

Fort Lauderdale
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 by designer names or visit flagship stores.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Las Vegas

Families may find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Las Vegas.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities the kids will be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

For families, Las Vegas is not always the best place to visit. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Las Vegas

Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas both fun destinations for a couple.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Las Vegas

Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander 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.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Las Vegas is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas?

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Las Vegas is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Which city is cheaper, Las Vegas or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $146, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $246. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $77
    Las Vegas $127
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $154
    Las Vegas $254
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $41
    Las Vegas $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Transfer From Fort Lauderdale to Airport/Port: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL): $28
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Port Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer: FLL Fort Lauderdale Airport to Fort Lauderdale City: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer from Fort Lauderdale City to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami City or Miami Beach: $55
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale City to Airport: $57
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport to City: $57
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale - Arrival Private Transfer: $62

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 - Round Trip to or from Your Hotel: $165
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas City by Business Sedan: $48
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas city in Luxury SUV: $59
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas city in Tesla X: $54
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $163
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury SUV: $149
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Van: $141
  • Departure Private Transfer Las Vegas City to Las Vegas Airport by Business Sedan: $48
  • Departure Private Transfer Las Vegas to Los Angeles Airport LAX by Executive SUV: $1,818
  • Departure Private Transfer Las Vegas to Los Angeles Airport LAX by Minibus: $1,928
  • Departure Private Transfer Las Vegas to Los Angeles Airport LAX by SUV: $1,653

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $39
    Las Vegas $64
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

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.

  • Only On The Strip Food Tour: $79
  • The "What The Frog?" Senor Frogs Dinner Package: $80
  • Chinatown Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Downtown Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Walking Food Tour of Downtown Las Vegas: $99
  • Evening Walking Food Tour on the Las Vegas Strip: $103
  • Walking Food Tour of the Las Vegas Strip: $103
  • Fremont Street Dinner Tour with Photographer: $129
  • Secret Food Tours Las Vegas: $136
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour by Segway: $149
  • Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner from Las Vegas: $150
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Las Vegas: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $12
    Las Vegas $63

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Fort Lauderdale Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • Fort Lauderdale Daily Sightseeing Cruise - On the Venice of America: $27
  • Everglades Eco Adventure: 2-Hour Sawgrass Recreation Park: $28
  • Jungle Queen Sightseeing Cruise: $33
  • Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Show from Fort Lauderdale: $37
  • Ft Lauderdale Cocktail Cruise: $45
  • Island Time Boat Cruise: $45
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • SUP PUP Paddleboard Tour: $47

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:

  • SeaQuest Las Vegas - Single Day Passport Ticket: $13
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Springs Preserve in Las Vegas Admission Ticket: $15
  • Haunts and The Mob Las Vegas Walking Tour: $18
  • Axe Throwing Experience in Las Vegas: $20
  • Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Skip the Line: Nostalgia Street Rods Museum Ticket and Optional VIP Tour: $21
  • The High Roller at The LINQ Ticket: $21
  • Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $24
  • Boulder City Historic District Self-Guided Tour from Las Vegas: $25
  • From Boulder City Self-Guided Tour: $25
  • Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Admission Ticket: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $27
    Las Vegas $44
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • The Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Bar Crawl of Fremont Street: $89
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl: $90
  • Las Vegas Brewery Tour by Party Bus: $103
  • Bar Crawl On Fremont Street: $260
  • Small Group Pahrump Wine Tasting with Death Valley Sightseeing and Stargazing: $295

About these numbers

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

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Fort Lauderdale vs. Las Vegas Travel Comparison

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