A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Couples

Should you visit Manchester 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 Manchester and Las Vegas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Manchester and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Manchester or Las Vegas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Manchester, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Las Vegas is more touristy than Manchester and 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. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Manchester different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Las Vegas?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Las Vegas.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very popular for theatre. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a theatre destination.

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

Manchester
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very popular for nightlife. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Manchester has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.


Is Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very popular for live music. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

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.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Is Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Las Vegas?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester 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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.


Is Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Manchester is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Manchester is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Las Vegas Better for Students?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Manchester is notable for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.

Many students visit Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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

Manchester
Las Vegas

Manchester is notable for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Manchester can move around easily with public transportation. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Manchester
Las Vegas

Manchester and Las Vegas are good when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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 Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Las Vegas?

Both Manchester and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Manchester. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester 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 Manchester.


  • How many days in Manchester or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Manchester or Las Vegas?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With theater and nightlife around the sinful entertainment capital of Las Vegas, there's plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Manchester or Las Vegas?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With nightlife and live music around the big city destination of Las Vegas, there's plenty to do. 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.

Five days in Manchester or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Manchester. 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.

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.


A week in Manchester or Las Vegas?

Manchester 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is $230, 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 Manchester and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester $89
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester $178
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Manchester 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.

Hotels in Manchester


Hotels in Las Vegas


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester $24
    Las Vegas $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    $14
  • Parking in Manchester
    $3.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

Also for Manchester, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.89
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.16
  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.16
  • Manchester Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Alderley Edge: $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Adlington (Macclesfield): $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Eccles: $57
  • Private Transfer from Partington to Manchester Airport (MAN): $57
  • Private Transfer from Cadishead to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58

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:

  • 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: $440
  • Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
  • Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $240
  • 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 Manchester or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Manchester 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
    Manchester $70
    Las Vegas $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

For Manchester, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $44
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $94
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $95
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

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.

  • Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester $38
    Las Vegas $78

Tours and Activities in Manchester

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Manchester.

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.37
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.38
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $13
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15
  • LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tour: $17

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:

  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester $12
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $48
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $102

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 Manchester and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Manchester much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manchester is in Europe and Las Vegas is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Manchester would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manchester 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 Manchester.

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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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.