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

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Should you visit Washington or Las Vegas?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Las Vegas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Las Vegas

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

Washington and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Washington
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less active music scene
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


How is Washington different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Washington
Las Vegas

Spend time exploring the sights and museums in either Washington or Las Vegas.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique.


Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Washington
Las Vegas

There are theater venues available in both Washington and Las Vegas.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Food?

Washington
Las Vegas

Foodies will find both Washington and Las Vegas both to be unique destinations.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. You can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here, so it's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city 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.

Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Washington
Las Vegas

The vibe at night is comparable in Washington and Las Vegas.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Head into Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington to enjoy some of the area's best nightlife.

The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Washington
Las Vegas

Las Vegas generally offers more live music options than Washington.

Las Vegas is known as a music capital around the world. The city has 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.

The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.


Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Shopping?

Washington
Las Vegas

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Las Vegas both offer plenty of spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping.

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 by designer names or visit flagship stores.

Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Washington
Las Vegas

Washington offers a wider variety of activities for kids than Las Vegas.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world.

Las Vegas is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Washington or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Washington
Las Vegas

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Las Vegas than Washington.

For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. 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.

Washington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show.

Is Washington or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit?

Washington
Las Vegas

Washington has better public transit to get you around.

With a huge network, the transit system in Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Washington
Las Vegas

Washington is generally more walkable than Las Vegas.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Washington?

How long in Washington or Las Vegas?

Both Washington and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Washington is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Las Vegas is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Washington or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Washington 3-7 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Washington or Las Vegas?

People visit Washington 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.

With theater and nightlife around the sinful entertainment capital of Las Vegas, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Las Vegas?

People visit Washington 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.

With nightlife and live music around the big city destination of Las Vegas, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital.

Five days in Washington or Las Vegas?

People visit Washington 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.

Las Vegas, a popular entertainment capital, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Washington or Las Vegas?

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Which city is cheaper, Las Vegas or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $248. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Las Vegas $127
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Las Vegas $254
Compare Hotels in Washington and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Las Vegas $42
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

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


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.: $15
  • Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA): $40
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Washington to Dulles International Airport (IAD): $77
  • Private Departure Transfer from Washington City to DCA Regan Washington Airport: $78
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $78
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $82
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury Van: $82
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury Van: $82
  • Seattle: Private Transfer to/from Seattle Airport (SEA): $86

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:

  • Departure Private Transfer Las Vegas to Los Angeles Airport LAX by Minibus: $1,928
  • Departure Private Transfer Las Vegas to Los Angeles Airport LAX by Executive SUV: $1,818
  • Departure Private Transfer Las Vegas to Los Angeles Airport LAX by SUV: $1,653
  • Las Vegas Private Transfer: Mercedes Sprinter Van: $1,300
  • Las Vegas Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Executive Sprinter: $200
  • Private Las Vegas Airport to Hotel Luxury Limousine Transfer: $195
  • Private Las Vegas Hotel to Airport Luxury Limousine Transfer: $175
  • Airport Transfer - Round Trip to or from Your Hotel: $165
  • Departure Private Transfers: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Car: $163
  • Las Vegas Airport Transfers : Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury Car: $163
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $163
  • Las Vegas Airport Transfers : Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Las Vegas $64
Typical Food prices in Washington

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


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

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.

  • Only On The Strip Food Tour: $79
  • The "What The Frog?" Senor Frogs Dinner Package: $80
  • Chinatown Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Downtown Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Walking Food Tour of Downtown Las Vegas: $99
  • Evening Walking Food Tour on the Las Vegas Strip: $103
  • Walking Food Tour of the Las Vegas Strip: $103
  • Fremont Street Dinner Tour with Photographer: $129
  • Secret Food Tours Las Vegas: $136
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour by Segway: $149
  • Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner from Las Vegas: $150
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Las Vegas: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Las Vegas $63

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour: $5.00
  • The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial: $18
  • Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC: $19
  • Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $21
  • DC Ghost Tour: $24
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

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:

  • 1 Hour Private Limo Photo Tour: $343
  • 1-Day Grand Canyon West Rim Sunset Tour: $135
  • 1-Day Hoover Dam - Lake Mead - Oatman Ghost Town Tour: $291
  • 1-Day Tour to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas: $176
  • 1.5-Hour BLACKOUT: Dining in the Dark Experience in Las Vegas: $81
  • 11 Day Best of the West National Parks Tour Las Vegas to San Francisco: $2,151
  • 15-Day Southwest Grand Circle Tour: $6,000
  • 2 Day Zion and Bryce in depth National Tour Camp or Lodge options: $330
  • 2 Hour Photo Tour by Luxury Rolls Royce: $986
  • 2 Hour Private Limo Photo Tour: $549
  • 2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Las Vegas: $330
  • 2-Day Private Tour: Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon and Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas: $1,198

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Las Vegas $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • The Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Bar Crawl of Fremont Street: $89
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl: $90
  • Las Vegas Brewery Tour by Party Bus: $103
  • Bar Crawl On Fremont Street: $260
  • Small Group Pahrump Wine Tasting with Death Valley Sightseeing and Stargazing: $295

About these numbers

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

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Washington vs. Las Vegas Travel Comparison

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