Las Vegas Prices Are Out of Control - Here’s How to Save!

Las Vegas has always promised a playground for everyone, whether you’re chasing jackpots, luxury dining, or neon-lit adventures that stretch until sunrise. But in 2025, visitors are asking a new question: Is Vegas still worth it?

The city’s tourism industry, long a symbol of affordability and indulgence, is facing a price problem. Hotel rates are up, resort fees have ballooned, and even cocktails are creeping toward 30 dollars a glass. According to recent reports from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, visitation has dropped roughly twelve percent compared to last year. Yet, visitor spending is actually higher. The average traveler is paying more and often getting less.

So, what’s happening to America’s playground, and how can you still enjoy it without emptying your wallet? We recently tested whether we could eat for an entire day in Las Vegas on a $70 budget. This was based on the early 2000s budget of $40, but adjusted for inflation, is now $70. Check it out to see if we make it and continue reading to learn more about what’s going on in Las Vegas.

Cheap Eats Las Vegas Edition $70 Dollars a Day for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a Snack in on the most expensive tourist destinations in America.

The Current State of Vegas Tourism in 2025

The Las Vegas Strip is as bright as ever, but foot traffic tells a different story. Fewer people are coming, and the ones who do are spending more per trip. Hotel occupancy has held around eighty-three percent, but the average nightly rate is now hovering near one hundred ninety dollars.

International tourism hasn’t fully rebounded, and competition from destinations like Orlando, Miami, and even major cruise lines is drawing away budget-conscious travelers. Many visitors who once made annual Vegas trips now choose a Caribbean cruise or all-inclusive Mexico resort instead.

Meanwhile, conventions and major events continue to bring life to the city. CES, the Super Bowl, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix keep hotel demand strong, but these peak weekends drive average rates sky-high. For the casual traveler, a Friday-to-Sunday escape can easily cost more than it did just a few years ago.

How Much It Really Costs to Visit Las Vegas in 2025

Let’s break down what a realistic Vegas trip looks like this year. Prices fluctuate depending on when you visit, but the averages paint a clear picture.

Average Cost For Las Vegas Travel-

A four-day trip for two adults can easily cost between $1,500 and $2,500 without including gambling or luxury splurges.

Resort fees remain one of the biggest frustrations for visitors. Most Strip hotels now charge between $40 and $65 per night, covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, gym access, and local calls that few guests actually use. Add parking fees and daily service charges, and the true nightly cost can come as a surprise even to seasoned travelers.

Food prices have also climbed. Breakfast at a casual café averages around $25 per person, a simple lunch can hit $30, and dinner at a mid-tier restaurant may reach $70–$100. Cocktails average $18, and popular buffets now cost between $45 and $70 per person.

Shows remain a must-see, but they aren’t cheap. Cirque du Soleil tickets start around $120, while premium seats for concerts or magic shows often exceed $200.

Why Vegas Prices Have Jumped

Inflation plays a role, but there’s more to it. The city has deliberately shifted its strategy toward attracting higher-spending guests rather than maximizing volume.

Labor shortages, wage increases, and rising energy costs have driven up hotel operating expenses. Instead of cutting prices, many resorts are trying to maintain profitability by offering “premium” experiences and pricing accordingly. The term “premiumization” has become a buzzword in local hospitality circles — a move that aims to attract fewer guests but higher per-trip revenue.

There’s also a fierce “resort fee arms race.” Initially introduced as a means to mask nightly rates, these fees have evolved into a significant revenue stream for hotels. Eliminating them would be a significant loss, so most properties continue to raise them instead.

And of course, competition has expanded. Cruise lines now market four-day sailings with lodging, food, and entertainment included — often for less than a long weekend in Vegas. For travelers chasing value, that comparison stings.

The Local Perspective: Where Value Still Exists

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you: there’s still plenty of affordable fun in Vegas, you have to know where to look.

Downtown Las Vegas has become the new playground for value seekers. The Fremont Street Experience still delivers free nightly entertainment, and hotels like the Plaza, Circa, and Downtown Grand offer rooms at a fraction of Strip prices.

Off-Strip favorites, such as Ellis Island and the Gold Coast, serve generous meals at local prices, and happy hours across the city remain among the best in the country. Even free attractions like the Bellagio Fountains and the Mirage Volcano (when active) continue to wow visitors without costing a cent.

Smart Ways to Save on Your Vegas Trip

Even with rising prices, Vegas can still fit your budget if you plan wisely. Here’s how to keep the fun high and the costs low.

1. Visit Midweek

Hotel rates drop sharply between Sunday and Thursday. A three-night midweek stay can cost 30-40 percent less than a weekend trip.

2. Look for Hotels Without Resort Fees

A few properties, including some downtown spots and independent hotels off the Strip, still skip resort fees entirely. Always double-check before booking.

3. Bundle Your Flight and Hotel

Booking packages through travel sites or airline vacation portals can yield significant savings. These bundles often bypass the higher rates you’ll find when booking separately.

4. Sign Up for Rewards Programs

Loyalty programs, such as MGM Rewards or Caesars Rewards, offer discounts, complimentary nights, and dining credits. Even if you don’t gamble, membership can unlock lower rates and promotional offers.

5. Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Attractions

Explore beyond the casinos. The Neon Museum, Container Park, and Arts District galleries are affordable highlights. Add in the countless free shows and people-watching opportunities, and you’ll see why Vegas can still deliver incredible value.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect in 2026

Industry insiders are divided on what comes next. Some predict stabilization as new hotels open and more competition returns to the market. Others warn that high labor and maintenance costs will keep prices elevated.

Upcoming projects, such as the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel and Fontainebleau’s continued expansion, along with a growing push for luxury dining, suggest that Vegas may remain expensive — but also more experiential than ever.

If you time it right and plan carefully, you can still enjoy world-class entertainment and amenities without overspending. The key is flexibility and a little insider knowledge.

Vegas may not be the cheap escape it once was, but it remains one of the most exciting destinations in the world. The lights, the energy, and the endless possibilities are still there — you need to be strategic about when and how you visit.

With a mix of midweek bookings, off-Strip dining, and loyalty discounts, you can cut your costs dramatically while keeping the fun intact.

Because at the end of the day, Vegas isn’t dead. It’s just evolving — and if you know how to navigate it, the city still rewards those who play it smart.