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

Should you visit Tampa or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food and beaches.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Tampa and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
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
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Tampa or Las Vegas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Tampa. Las Vegas is bigger than Tampa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Las Vegas is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a theatre destination.

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

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa 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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.


Is Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its music scene. However, Tampa is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Tampa is not a live music destination.

Is Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Tampa is a moderate city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Tampa is notable for its beaches. However, Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tampa for it's beautiful beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Las Vegas?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Tampa
Las Vegas

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

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Tampa
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.


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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Las Vegas?

Both Tampa 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 Tampa. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Tampa or Las Vegas?

You'll find food around the city of Tampa. 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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Las Vegas?

You'll find food around the laid-back destination of Tampa. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going city of Tampa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Tampa or Las Vegas?

Tampa 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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa 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 Tampa and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Las Vegas $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private transfer: From Tampa to airport and vice versa : $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • Private One-way Tampa Airport Transfer To/From Tampa: $46
  • Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port-Departure Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Private Transfer to/from Tampa Airport (TPA): $70
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tampa City to Tampa Airport TPA in Business Car: $73
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Tampa Airport TPA to Tampa City in Business Car: $73
  • Private transfer Arrival or Departure - Tampa International Airport (TPA): $79
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108

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:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas The Strip- Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $76
  • Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas Airport (LAS)- Las Vegas The Strip: $76
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Las Vegas The Strip - Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $58
  • Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
  • Special Event Transfers EDC: $100
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
  • Private Transfer: McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas : $51
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to McCarran International Airport (LAS): $52
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $204
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to LAS Airport by Luxury SUV or Limousine up to 8 p: $113
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $204
  • Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Ninoy Aquino Airport(MNL): $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Tampa 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
    Tampa $53
    Las Vegas $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

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

  • Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
  • Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $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.

  • Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $39
  • Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
  • 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
  • Manila Walking Food Tour : $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
  • Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $20
    Las Vegas $78

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tampa Riverwalk: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.33
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour: $26
  • The Official Downtown Tampa Ghost Tour: $30
  • Sunset and Night Cruises Tour: $30
  • Shared Ybor City Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • Tampa History Cruise: $31
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $31
  • The Florida Aquarium Ticket: $34
  • Ghost Investigation Tours with Interactive Paranormal Experience: $35

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:

  • 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
  • All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
  • Food and Sightseeing Tour on the Las Vegas Strip: $124
  • Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
  • 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: $499
  • 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
    Tampa $26
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $40

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Las Vegas Yes, Queen Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
  • Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $56
  • Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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.