Should you visit Las Vegas or Reno?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the prices of travel for Las Vegas and Reno. 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. So, let's dig into it.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has long been the gambling capital of the United States. Known as "Sin City," it is a hot spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, but in recent years it has seen a dramatic increase in weddings and business conferences. It is the largest city in the state of Nevada and one of the most visited and well known cities in the country. It is located in the Mojave Desert in South Nevada and has a very arid climate with very hot and dry summers. The average high in July is 104 degrees Fahrenheit, but as many people like to say "its a dry heat." Winters are cooler and pleasant with highs around 60 degrees Fahrenheits. Snow is very rare but the surrounding mountains are often topped with snow during the winter months.
Reno
In the northwest area of Nevada, Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After Las Vegas, it's the second most popular tourist destination in the state of Nevada. You'll find some nice resorts, elaborate casinos, nice restaurants and unique opportunities for entertainment throughout the city.
The city, referred to as "The Biggest Little City in the World", has a population of about 235,000. It's part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, which has a population of about 440,000.
Reno is located in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The city has a steppe climate with light to moderate snowfall in the winter months. Precipitation is most common during the winter and spring, but the city averages about 300 days of sunshine a year. Average temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
Which city is cheaper, Reno or Las Vegas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Las Vegas is $246, while the average daily cost in Reno is $113. 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Las Vegas and Reno in more detail.
Accommodation
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about $254 for a double occupancy room in Las Vegas.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $86 in Reno For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
While meal prices in Las Vegas can vary, the average travelers spends about $64 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Las Vegas should cost around $26 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Las Vegas is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
The price of a meal in Reno can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $42 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $17 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Las Vegas $64
Reno $42
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:
$131
-
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
Typical Food prices in Reno
For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dennys for Breakfast
$22
-
Sushi DInner (for 2)
$40
-
In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
$19
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Las Vegas is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $38 per person, per day, on local transportation in Las Vegas.
Reno's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $18 per person, per day on transportation in Reno.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
-
Transfer from McCarran International Airport to Las Vegas:
$75
-
Round-Trip Private Transfer Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas City by Stretch Limo:
$150
-
Round-Trip Private Transfer Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas City by SUV:
$110
-
Round-Trip Private Transfer Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas City by Business Car:
$86
-
Round Trip McCarran Airport (LAS) Transfer to Las Vegas City Center:
$113
-
Private Transfer: McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas:
$52
-
Private Transfer: Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport (LAS):
$52
-
Private Transfer from Las Vegas City to Las Vegas (LAS) Airport:
$95
-
Private Transfer from Las Vegas (LAS) Airport to Las Vegas City:
$95
-
Private Transfer Service in Las Vegas:
$95
-
Private Round-Trip Transfer between Las Vegas Center and Las Vegas Airport:
$84
-
Private One Way Transfer from McCarran Airport to Las Vegas Strip Hotels by SUV:
$115
Typical Local Transportation prices in Reno
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno
Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Reno/Tahoe International Airport One Way Transfer:
$48
-
Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer:
$168
-
Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer:
$168
-
Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$336
Is it cheaper to fly into Las Vegas or Reno?
Prices for flights to both Reno 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Las Vegas typically cost an average of $63 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Reno can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $70 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Typical Entertainment prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
-
1 Hour Private Limo Photo Tour:
$343
-
1-Day Grand Canyon West Rim Sunset Tour:
$135
-
1-Day Hoover Dam - Lake Mead - Oatman Ghost Town Tour:
$291
-
1-Day Tour to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas:
$176
-
1.5-Hour BLACKOUT: Dining in the Dark Experience in Las Vegas:
$81
-
11 Day Best of the West National Parks Tour Las Vegas to San Francisco:
$2,151
-
15-Day Southwest Grand Circle Tour:
$6,000
-
2 Day Zion and Bryce in depth National Tour Camp or Lodge options:
$330
-
2 Hour Photo Tour by Luxury Rolls Royce:
$986
-
2 Hour Private Limo Photo Tour:
$549
-
2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Las Vegas:
$330
-
2-Day Private Tour: Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon and Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas:
$1,198
Tours and Activities in Reno
For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure:
$12
-
Culinary & Cultural Reno Tour:
$91
-
Biking Adventure Tour from Reno:
$102
-
Truckee River Rafting Tour from Reno:
$132
-
Winter Horseback Riding Adventure from Reno:
$206
-
ATV & Snow Mobile Winter Adventures from Reno:
$290
-
ATV - Tours & Trap Shooting Combo Packages from Reno:
$394
-
Hot Air Balloon & Snowmobile Adventure:
$616
Alcohol
The average person spends about $44 on alcoholic beverages in Las Vegas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Typically, people visiting Reno spend on average $10 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
-
Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket:
$49
-
Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino:
$49
-
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Las Vegas and Reno, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Reno much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reno would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reno 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 Reno.
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