A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Glacier National Park for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

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 Las Vegas and Glacier National Park. 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a glamourous, ritzy, and colorful 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.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Las Vegas and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

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
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. 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. Glacier National Park is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes.

How is Las Vegas different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is notable for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Theater?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is very popular for theatre. However, Glacier National Park is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Glacier National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is very popular for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.


Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Music?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is very popular for live music. However, Glacier National Park is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is very popular for its resorts. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is very popular for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

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 buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

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 Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is very popular for romance. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.


Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Glacier National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Both Las Vegas and Glacier National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Las Vegas or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Las Vegas
Glacier National Park

Las Vegas is a popular place for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable entertainment capital. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.


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

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Las Vegas and Glacier National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Glacier National Park. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Glacier National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas than Glacier National Park 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 Las Vegas or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Las Vegas 2-7 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the park of Glacier National Park. 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.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the stunning destination of Glacier National Park. 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 park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking park of Glacier National Park. 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.


A week in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.

Glacier National Park 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park or Las Vegas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Las Vegas is $310, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $127. 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 Las Vegas and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Las Vegas $158
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Las Vegas $316
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Las Vegas and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Las Vegas or Glacier National Park? 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 Las Vegas


Hotels in Glacier National Park


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: Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Las Vegas $53
    Glacier National Park $69
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:

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport Transfer Any Part of Manila: $23
  • Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Clark Airport (CRK): $46
  • Private Transfer from Laoag city hotels to Salomague Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Salomague Cruise Port to Laoag city hotels: $46
  • Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO) : $46
  • Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
  • Private Transfer: McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas : $50
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to McCarran International Airport (LAS): $51
  • Private Transfer from Manila City Hotels to Subic Bay Cruise Port: $52
  • Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $52
  • Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $52
  • Las Vegas Airport(LAS)to Lake Las Vegas- Arrival Private Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Las Vegas or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $80
    Glacier National Park $28
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.

  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glacier National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Glacier National Park.

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Las Vegas $78
    Glacier National Park $34
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:

  • Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $7.19
  • Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio 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
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Henderson by 3Quest Challenge: $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
  • Hoover Dam Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Red Rock Canyon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $12
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure: $87
  • Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!: $152
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $157
  • Half Day Bike and Hike Tour in around Whitefish: $175
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $220
  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Las Vegas $55
    Glacier National Park $8.41

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 Las Vegas and Glacier National Park, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park.

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