Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Melbourne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Melbourne or Las Vegas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.
Las Vegas is a glamourous, ritzy, and colorful 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.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, and shopping, while Melbourne attracts visitors for its beaches. Las Vegas is more touristy than Melbourne 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. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Melbourne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Las Vegas.
Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.
Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.
Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Melbourne 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.
Melbourne is not a theatre destination.
Las Vegas is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne 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.
Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.
Las Vegas is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
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.
Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.
Las Vegas is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne 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.
Melbourne is not a live music destination.
Las Vegas is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne 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.
Melbourne is not a resort destination.
Melbourne is notable for its beaches. However, Las Vegas is not a beach destination.
Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.
Las Vegas is not a beach destination.
Las Vegas is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne 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.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.
Melbourne is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Melbourne is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.
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.
Las Vegas is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
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.
Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.
Melbourne is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.
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.
Melbourne is very popular for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Melbourne 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 Melbourne can move around easily with public transportation. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).
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.
Melbourne is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.
Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.
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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Melbourne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne.
People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.
You'll find museums and theater around the entertainment capital of Las Vegas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.
You'll find theater and nightlife around the entertaining big city of Las Vegas. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.
People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the colorful entertainment capital of Las Vegas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.
Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $179, 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 Melbourne and Las Vegas in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Melbourne 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.
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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Melbourne 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.
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Melbourne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific 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 Melbourne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melbourne Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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.