Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Gatlinburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Las Vegas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.
Gatlinburg and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Gatlinburg
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Las Vegas?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Gatlinburg 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, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing and hiking. Gatlinburg is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Las Vegas 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.
How is Gatlinburg different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Gatlinburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Skiing?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Gatlinburg is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.
Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.
Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Las Vegas?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.
Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for theatre. However, Gatlinburg 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.
Gatlinburg is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and 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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
The vibe at night is first-rate in both Gatlinburg and Las Vegas.
Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.
Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg 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.
Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.
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.
Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.
Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.
Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Las Vegas?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.
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.
Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
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.
Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.
Is Gatlinburg or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Gatlinburg 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.
Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around 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 Gatlinburg or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Gatlinburg
Las Vegas
Gatlinburg is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.
Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $190Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, 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 Gatlinburg and Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg 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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35Las Vegas $53
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:
- Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $2,000
- West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $509
- Las Vegas to Los Angeles Transfer in SUV: $432
- Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
- Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $239
- Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $213
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $203
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $202
- From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
- Manila ATV Mountain Trail Adventure(with Transfers***): $175
- Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
- Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Gatlinburg 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 dayGatlinburg $85Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
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Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
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
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- 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
- 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
- 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.Gatlinburg $24Las Vegas $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Photos$22
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Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Roaring Fork Trail Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $8.49
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours: $25
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
- Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
- Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour: $26
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:
- 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
- Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
- Manila Street Food Walking Experience ( Shared ) : $70
- Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
- Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
- 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
- 1 Day Tour at Valley of Fire and Zion Park: $209
- 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
- 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249
- 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $549
- 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
- 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGatlinburg $15Las Vegas $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $70
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
- Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $45
- Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
- 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
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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.