Which place is cheaper, Reno or Las Vegas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Las Vegas or Reno?
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 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, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
Reno
Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Las Vegas and Reno: Pros and Cons
Las Vegas
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
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Reno
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Reno?
You'll generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Reno. Las Vegas is bigger than Reno, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is more touristy than Reno and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Reno is well known for its casinos and nightlife scene.
How is Las Vegas different from Reno?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reno 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 Reno?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
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.
Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.
Is Las Vegas or Reno Better for Theater?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Reno 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.
Reno is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Reno? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
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.
Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.
Is Las Vegas or Reno Better for Nightlife?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
The people in Reno know how to have a good time. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.
Is Las Vegas or Reno Better for Music?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is renowned for its music scene. However, Reno is not a live music destination.
Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from 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.
Reno is not a live music destination.
Is Las Vegas or Reno Better for Resorts?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.
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.
Reno is not a resort destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Reno?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.
Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. 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.
Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.
Is Las Vegas or Reno Better for Families?
Las Vegas
Reno
Reno is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Reno is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological 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 Reno Better for Couples?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is renowned for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
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.
Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.
Is Las Vegas or Reno Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Las Vegas
Reno
Both Las Vegas and Reno offer respectable 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 Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.
Is Las Vegas or Reno a more walkable city?
Las Vegas
Reno
Las Vegas is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its walkability.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.
For even more information, also check out Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Reno Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Reno or Las Vegas?
How long in Las Vegas or Reno?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Las Vegas and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Reno. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Reno. 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 Reno 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.
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How many days in Las Vegas or Reno? Ideal Length of StayLas Vegas 2-7Reno 1-3
One day in Las Vegas or Reno?
Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Reno. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reno has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Las Vegas or Reno?
Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Reno. 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 Reno?
Las Vegas is a glamourous big city where you can fill many days. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Reno. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Las Vegas or Reno?
Las Vegas is a sinful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
Reno is a popular choice for travelers. 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLas Vegas $310Reno $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Las Vegas is $310, while the average daily cost in Reno is $144. 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 Reno in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLas Vegas $158Reno $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLas Vegas $316Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Las Vegas and Reno
Looking for a hotel in Las Vegas or Reno? 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: Las Vegas Hotel Prices and Reno Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Las Vegas $53Reno $23
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:
- Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas The Strip- Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $76
- Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas Airport (LAS)- Las Vegas The Strip: $76
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Las Vegas The Strip - Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $58
- Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
- Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $114
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to LAS Airport by Luxury SUV or Limousine up to 8 p: $113
- Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Angeles City: $46
- Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO) : $46
- Private Transfer from Salomague Cruise Port to Laoag city hotels: $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:
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Car Wash$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno
Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $66
- Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $109
- Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
- Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $163
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $185
- Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $218
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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayLas Vegas $80Reno $54
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.
- Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
- 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
- Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
- Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
- Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
Typical Food Prices in Reno
For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dennys for Breakfast$22
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Sushi DInner (for 2)$40
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In-n-Out Burger (for 3)$19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Las Vegas $78Reno $88
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
- 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
- All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
- Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
- Manila; Walking Foods and Drinks Tour : $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 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
Tours and Activities in Reno
For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Reno by Operation City Quest: $10
- Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure: $12
- Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $14
- Lake Tahoe Audio Driving Tour: $14
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV: $15
- Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality Experience Ticket: $25
- Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- Reno Ghosts Tour: $30
- Reno Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLas Vegas $55Reno $13
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
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
- Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $70
- Fremont Street-Old Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
Sample the Local Flavors in Reno
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:
- 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25
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.
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 Reno Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or Reno?
Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Reno. When comparing the sizes of Las Vegas and Reno, 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.