A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Norfolk vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sinful, fun-filled, and entertaining entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Norfolk and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
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
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Norfolk, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Las Vegas is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


Is Norfolk or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a theatre destination.

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

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.


Is Norfolk or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. 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.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is Norfolk or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.


Is Norfolk or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Norfolk is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Norfolk is a family-friendly place to visit. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial 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 Norfolk or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Norfolk
Las Vegas

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Las Vegas.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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 Norfolk or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Norfolk
Las Vegas

Norfolk and Las Vegas both are good when exploring on foot.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Both Norfolk 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 Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Norfolk. 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 Las Vegas than Norfolk 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.


  • How many days in Norfolk or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Norfolk 1-2 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Norfolk or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Norfolk. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Norfolk has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the maritime destination of Norfolk. 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.

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.


Five days in Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the maritime city of Norfolk. 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Norfolk 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Norfolk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Norfolk is $166, 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 Norfolk and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Norfolk $84
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Norfolk $168
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Norfolk and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Norfolk 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 Norfolk


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: Norfolk Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Norfolk $54
    Las Vegas $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

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:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $201
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $142
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Van: $130
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas by Luxury SUV: $144
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Car: $143
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Van: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $82
  • Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV: $144
  • From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
  • From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95
  • From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
  • Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $49
    Las Vegas $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.

  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $162
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

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
  • Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $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
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Norfolk $14
    Las Vegas $78

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $95
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $95
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104

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:

  • Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
  • Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Vegas Highlights: Neon Lights & Desert - Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Las Vegas Strip Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour : $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Norfolk $10
    Las Vegas $55

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 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
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
  • Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
  • NIGHTOUT Vegas Bar Crawl: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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


Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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.