A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Rapid City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Las Vegas or Rapid City?

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 Rapid City. 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 colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a fascinating, activity-filled, and friendly city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Las Vegas and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Rapid City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Rapid City. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Rapid City attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Las Vegas is more touristy than Rapid City and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Rapid City is famous for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks.

How is Las Vegas different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rapid City 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 Rapid City?

Rapid City is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rapid City that are not to be missed. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

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.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Rapid City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Rapid City area. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City Better for Music?

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Rapid City is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Las Vegas. 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.

Rapid City is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Rapid City is not a resort destination.

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.

Rapid City is not a resort destination.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

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

Rapid City is a popular spot for hiking. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Rapid City?

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rapid City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Las Vegas draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Rapid City to go shopping. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rapid City is very family-friendly. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

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 Rapid City Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Rapid City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Rapid City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

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 Rapid City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Las Vegas and Rapid City offer reasonable 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 Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Is Las Vegas or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Las Vegas is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its ease of walking 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.

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Las Vegas or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Las Vegas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Rapid City. 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 Rapid City than Las Vegas 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 Rapid City.

One day in Las Vegas or Rapid City?

When visiting Las Vegas, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Rapid City. 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 Rapid City?

When visiting Las Vegas, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital.

You'll find museums and food around the activity-filled destination of Rapid City. 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.

Five days in Las Vegas or Rapid City?

Las Vegas, a popular entertainment capital, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time 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 food and shopping when visiting the fascinating city of Rapid City. 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 museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Las Vegas or Rapid City?

Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rapid City 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.

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

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 Rapid City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or Rapid City?

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