Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or New York City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for New York City and Las Vegas. 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.
New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See New York City travel costs.
Las Vegas is a sinful, fun-filled, and entertaining entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Las Vegas travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Las Vegas, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its museums and attractions, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Las Vegas is known for its resorts. New York City is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
New York 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 New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.
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.
Visitors will find terrific theaters and performances in New York City and Las Vegas.
New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.
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.
Both New York City and Las Vegas offer a number of terrific restaurants to choose from.
Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.
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.
Both New York City and Las Vegas have terrific vibes after the sun sets.
New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.
Las Vegas is a must-see party destination. 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.
It can be fun to see live music in either New York City and Las Vegas.
New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.
Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. 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.
New York City is not a resort destination.
Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both New York City and Las Vegas.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.
The abundance of shops in Las Vegas make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
New York City is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.
New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.
Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.
New York City is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.
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.
New York City and Las Vegas both terrific destinations for a couple.
New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.
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.
New York 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 New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.
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.
New York City is very popular for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.
New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
New York City is very popular for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
New York City has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.
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.
New York City is very popular 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.
It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.
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 New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Both New York City and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New York City than Las Vegas. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in New York City than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in New York City than Las Vegas. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York 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 New York City.
People visit New York City 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.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entertaining big city of Las Vegas. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
People visit New York City because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.
People visit New York City 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the sexy big city of Las Vegas. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.
New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Many travelers enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the entertainment capital of Las Vegas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in New York City is $363, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $369. 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 New York City and Las Vegas in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in New York City 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:
Also for New York City, 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 New York City 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 New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For New York City, 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.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:
For New York City, 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:
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
When comparing the travel costs between New York City and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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.