A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Orlando or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Orlando and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks
Things to Consider
  • Less theater options
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Orlando or Las Vegas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Orlando, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Las Vegas 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.

How is Orlando different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Orlando
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for theatre. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its theatre productions.

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.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

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

Orlando
Las Vegas

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

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.


Is Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for live music. However, Orlando is not a live music destination.

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.

Orlando is not a live music destination.

Is Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Orlando and Las Vegas offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Las Vegas?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for shopping. Also, Orlando 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.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.


Is Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Christmas?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Orlando is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Las Vegas does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Las Vegas does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Orlando is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.


Is Orlando or Las Vegas Better for Students?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Orlando is a good destination for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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

Orlando
Las Vegas

Orlando and Las Vegas both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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.

Is Orlando or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Orlando
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Las Vegas is somewhat walkable. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Las Vegas?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orlando 7 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Orlando or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and theater around the city of Orlando. 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.

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 Orlando or Las Vegas?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Orlando or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the family-friendly city of Orlando. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Orlando or Las Vegas?

Orlando is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Orlando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, 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 Orlando and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Orlando 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 Orlando


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: Orlando Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Las Vegas $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

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


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

  • Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Area Hotels to Orlando Airport (MCO): $19
  • Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Transfers: $34
  • Train Transfer to Miami: $44
  • Private transfer Orlando Airport - Hotels in Disney and Universal: $47
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Orlando - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Lakeland / Winter Haven to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Hotel near Universal to Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Transfer in private minivan Orlando downtown -Orlando Airport (MCO): $60
  • Private Transfer Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral or Cocoa: $60
  • Orlando Airport: Private Transfer From Airport to Orlando: $63
  • Private Transfer between MCO Airport and Downtown Orlando: $66
  • Orlando MCO Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Kissimmee: $67

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 Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: To Las Vegas by Luxury Limo: $245
  • Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $238
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $202
  • 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 Orlando or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Orlando 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
    Orlando $65
    Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

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

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
  • Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
  • Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $50
  • Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with Live Music: $58
  • Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

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
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $204
    Las Vegas $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando: $6.65
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Orlando Icon Park Adventure Room Ticket: $12
  • 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
  • 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
  • Lonely Dog Immersive Art Storytelling Experience: $15
  • Old Town Entertainment District Attraction Tickets: $15
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket: $18
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket in Orlando: $18
  • West Orange Trail 10 Mile Private Bike Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $20
  • Chocolate Kingdom Factory Adventure Tour: $22

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
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85

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


When comparing the travel costs between Orlando and Las Vegas, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Orlando or Las Vegas?

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