Las Vegas on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide

Visiting Las Vegas on a budget? Follow these travel tips to help you plan a trip to Vegas on a budget in 2022. Includes budget food recommentations, cheap hotels on the Vegas Strip, and how to party in Vegas on a budget.

Sin City is one of the only destinations in the USA where you can party like a Rock Star and enjoy a high roller vacation in Las Vegas on a shoestring budget.

That is, of course… if you know how to scope out the deals. That’s why I’m showing you places to visit in Las Vegas on a dime.

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas for the first time, this post will show you how to stay at luxury hotels, dine at 5-star restaurants, and watch incredible shows all on a budget.

My boyfriend and I LOVE visiting Las Vegas and we’re always finding cheap stuff to do and new ways to save money without much effort.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a romantic trip, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a week-long excursion, use these tips and tricks to help you visit Las Vegas on a budget.

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Table of Contents

Las Vegas on a budget – Attractions

1. Save money with the Las Vegas Explorer Pass

Visiting Las Vegas for the first time can be hectic. With so many great things to see and do, it can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions are worth spending your money on.

Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 factor when planning a vacation and the GO Las Vegas Explorer Pass was rated the #1 Vegas tourism pass by TripAdvisor.

They’re also recommended by Expedia and Go City Passes currently have a TrustScore rating of 8.5/10 on Trust Pilot. Many people have already used the Explorer Pass for their Vegas trip and posted happy reviews.

With the GO Vegas Explorer Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these TripAdvisor reviews.

2. Find discounts and book online

If you want to visit Las Vegas on a budget – there’s absolutely no reason to pay full price for Vegas attractions. You’ll always be able to find a discount.

Whenever I’m in Las Vegas, THIS is my go-to website for scoring deals. They offer the lowest prices on Las Vegas attractions and tours. I recommend booking online, especially for popular attractions, so you can save time and hassle.

3. Check out free attractions in Vegas

If you’re wondering what is there to do in Las Vegas on a budget, you’ll be surprised to learn how many free attractions you can find in Vegas.

That’s why I put together this post sharing 20 of my favorite cheap things to do in Las Vegas. The best part is, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!

4. Look for free live music and shows

One of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas is check out live music and shows. We loved going listening to a live band at Fine Irishman’s Bar at the NY NY Hotel. They even had a traditional Irish dancer there which was awesome!

5. Find affordable attractions off the Vegas Strip

Whenever we’re in Las Vegas, we always make time to check out attractions off the Vegas Strip.

We love hiking and visiting nature trails. Some of our favorite spots include Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon, and Zion National Park.

If you have time to explore further, consider checking out this Grand Canyon tour. It includes a comfortable roundtrip motor coach ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon with breakfast snacks and lunch.

Valley of Fire State Park - Vegas day trip — Day trip from Las Vegas – Hiking at Valley of Fire State Park

Las Vegas on a budget – Show Tickets

6. Vegas.com has the cheapest show tickets

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas is see a show. Whether it’s a Cirque du Soleil production, such as The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage Hotel or a variety show, such as Absinthe at Caesar’s Palace, seeing a show is a MUST when visiting Vegas.

Vegas.com offers the best deals on show tickets. I recommend booking tickets online to save money and time. This website is always our first choice for scoring discounts on Vegas shows.

Is Vegas.com a legit travel website? Yes!

Vegas.com has been around for over 20 years and is a reputable site. I have personally been using this website for the past several years to save money on Vegas shows and attractions.

Vegas.com currently has a TrustScore rating of 4.6/5 on Trust Pilot with over 75,000 reviews. Here’s a screenshot of real reviews from happy customers.

7. Take advantage of online discounts

There are lots of discounts available online for shows in Las Vegas. If you’re planning on having dinner before the show, consider booking a dinner + show special. This is super convenient and can save you a lot of money.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Right now, you can book some of the top Vegas shows for $50 or less. This is a great deal! See the full list of shows here.

8. See shows with the Las Vegas Explorer Pass

The Las Vegas Explorer Pass allows you to visit 3 to 7 popular attractions all for one low price. You can even use the pass to check out some of the most popular shows in Las Vegas including:

Vegas! The Show (normally $116)
V – The Ultimate Variety Show (normally $94.81)
Zombie Burlesque (normally $86)
The Mentalist (normally $66.98)
And more great shows!

You can learn more here about all the benefits of the Las Vegas Explorer Pass.

9. Sit through a timeshare presentation

If you want to get free show tickets and have time to spare, then consider sitting through a timeshare presentation.

Of course the presenters will try and pressure you into buying a timeshare. But make sure to stand firm and say no. Then you can collect your free tickets, enjoy some free food, and be on your way.

10. Tix 4 Tonight

While I always recommend booking tickets online (and in advance) for popular shows, you can take your chances and see if Tix 4 Tonight is offering last-minute discounts. You can find Tix 4 Tonight booths set up along the Vegas Strip.

Where to stay in Las Vegas on a budget

12. Stay during the week

Las Vegas room rates drop significantly during the week. Monday-Thursday is usually the cheapest time to go to Las Vegas, with Friday and Saturday being the most expensive.

This is because a lot of people love to come to Las Vegas on the weekends, which drives hotel rates through the roof.

PRO TIP: Research ahead of time to see if your hotel offers mobile check-in. We recently stayed at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip in the summer. The regular check-in line was nearly an hour wait.

We signed up for M Life Rewards (which is free) and were able to take advantage of their mobile check-in. It only took about 5 minutes to check-in which was a huge time-saver!

Below are some of the best cheap Las Vegas hotels:

12. Take advantage of online discounts

You’ll want to compare rates to make sure you’re getting the best price. Vegas.com is my go-to website for finding cheap Las Vegas hotels.

I also recommend staying near the center of the Vegas Strip so you’ll be close to all the action and save money on transportation.

I also like to compare hotel rates on Booking.com. Below you can check out affordable hotels in Las Vegas for your trip.

Booking.com

13. Keep on an eye on events and conferences

There are many events and conferences that happen in Las Vegas. Popular events can cause hotel rates to increase, which can make your vacation very expensive. I recommend visiting when there won’t be any major conventions happening to help you save money.

14. Research resort fees

Almost every major hotel on the Las Vegas strip charges a daily resort fee. These fees can range from $20-$45 per night. Resort fees are not included in the initial hotel price. Instead they are due to the hotel at the end of your stay, upon check out.

To avoid this surprise expense, make sure to do your research before booking your hotel. Find out if they charge a daily resort fee and how much it costs. This can help you get a better idea of how much to budget for your hotel accommodations.

15. Stay in Downtown Las Vegas

If you’re not keen on staying on the Vegas Strip, I recommend checking out accommodations in Downtown Las Vegas. The most popular hotels downtown include the Golden Nugget, Four Queens, and Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino.

Almost everything is cheaper off the Vegas Strip, including entertainment and food. If you’re look for the best places to eat in Las Vegas on a budget, you’ll find many options here.

Eating in Las Vegas on a budget

Checking out the waterfall at the Wynn Hotel. There are so many free things to do in Las Vegas.

16. Eat and drink during Happy Hour

If you’re wondering how can I eat cheap in Las Vegas, consider checking out happy hours.

If you don’t mind having a late lunch or early dinner, you can save a lot of money by dining during Happy Hour. Most restaurants and bars offer cheap drinks and discounts on food during this time. This can be a great way to to find food in Vegas on a budget.

17. Consider eating at resort buffets

If you’re planning on ordering an appetizer, entrée, and drinks, then consider eating at a resort buffet. Why pay $40 at a restaurant when you can pay $20-$40 for all you can eat food and drinks?

Some of the best buffets in Vegas include:

18. Share or split meals

Most of the restaurants in Las Vegas offer generous portions. Whenever my boyfriend and I go to Vegas, we usually split a couple of appetizers or share an entrée. This allows us to eat well and save money.

19. Make your biggest meal of the day lunch

If you’re trying to save money in Las Vegas, I recommend making your cheapest meal of the day your biggest. Usually this is breakfast, but if breakfast is not your jam, then I recommend making lunch your biggest meal of the day.

Many of the popular restaurants in Las Vegas offer a less expensive lunch menu. You may even be able to get Happy Hour drink specials too.

20. Eat at restaurants off the Vegas Strip

Almost everything is going to be more expensive on the Vegas Strip. But if you’re looking for a delicious meal that doesn’t break the bank, then considering eating like a local and checking out restaurants off the Strip. I like using Yelp or TripAdvisor to find affordable places to eat.

Below are some of the best places to eat in Las Vegas on a budget:

Breakfast – The Egg & I, Babystacks, Omelet House, Mr. Mamas, Eggslut
Lunch – Earl of Sandwich, Shake Shack, Sirrico’s Pizza, Nacho Daddy, Tacos El Gordo, Evel Pie, In-N-Out Burger
Dinner – Ellis Island’s Village Pub & Cafe, Monta Noodle House, Istanbul Mediterranean

Las Vegas on a budget – Transportation

21. Book your flight and hotel package together

Many third-party booking websites, such as Booking.com or Vegas.com offer a discount when you book your flight and hotel together. Booking.com and Vegas.com are my go-to sites for finding cheap Las Vegas packages.

22. Renting a car? Book through Costco

We always book a rental car when visiting Las Vegas. This is because we love to explore both on and off the Vegas Strip.

We also like to check out some of the attractions outside of Las Vegas. Costco travel offers the best rates on rental cars.

23. Avoid taxis and use Uber or Lyft

Taxis can be very expensive in Las Vegas. With the emergence of ride-sharing services, I recommend using Uber and Lyft instead. It’s often cheaper and more convenient.

24. Look for free parking

Many of the hotels in Las Vegas now charge a parking fee. However, there are a few places left where you can still find free parking on the Vegas Strip, such as Fashion Show Mall.

For registered hotel guests staying at any of the MGM Resorts, your 24-hour parking fee provides you with in-out privileges across all MGM Las Vegas destinations.

This also applies for registered hotel guests staying at any of the Caesar’s Entertainment Resorts.

25. Ride the Monorail

The Monorail is one of the easiest ways to get around the Vegas Strip. The Monorail operates along a 3.9-mile route from the SLS Station to MGM Grand Station.

Las Vegas on a budget – Entertainment

26. Buy drinks from the grocery store

Drinks in Las Vegas can be expensive. A good way to save money is to buy your own alcoholic beverages from a local grocery store. It is legal to have an open container of alcohol while walking on the Las Vegas Strip, as long as it’s not in a glass container.

PRO TIP: Another way to get cheap drinks is to ride the High Roller Observation Wheel during Happy Half Hour. A Happy Half Hour ticket includes one 30-minute rotation with an in cabin open bar. You can learn more about it here.

27. Take advantage of free things to do in Las Vegas

There are many ways to party in Vegas on a budget. Start by seeing what’s avilable at your hotel accommdations. If you’re paying a resort fee at your hotel, you might as well take advantage of the amenities being offered.

For example, one of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas on a budget is to hang out and relax by the pool. We’ve stayed at several resorts along the Vegas Strip, but our favorite pool is at the MGM Grand Hotel.

Another free thing we enjoyed at the MGM Grand Hotel was they had a 80’s cover band playing one night. It was a free concert so we had fun listening to some classic hits.

Las vegas pool at MGM Grand hotel — Relaxing at the MGM Grand pool in Las Vegas

28. Check out free concerts on Freemont Street

Freemont Street in downtown Las Vegas is one of the best places to enjoy free, live music in the city. Plus, you can check out the world’s largest video screen, known as Viva Vision. The Freemont Street Experience features free light shows every night of the week.

29. Sign up for Player’s card and casino reward programs

Even if you’re not gambling, consider signing up for casino player’s cards. They are free to sign up for at every casino and sometimes they give you free stuff just for joining. This can include a free credit on your card to gamble, a free buffet pass, and so on.

30. Set a gambling budget and stick to it

If you’re planning to gamble in Las Vegas, a good way to save money is to set a budget and stick to it. You don’t want to risk more than you can afford to lose. This can help you visit Las Vegas on a budget.

Las Vegas on a budget FAQs

What is a good daily budget for Las Vegas?

Your daily budget should be around $246 per day (per person) for your vacation. Based on the expenses of other visitors, this is the average daily price. (Price are in USD).

There are many variables to consider, such as if you’ll be gambling, shopping at designer stores, eating at celebrity restaurants, checking out a Vegas show, and so on.

Average Daily Cost (Per Person)	One Week (Per Person)	One Week (Per Couple)
€184	€1,286	€2,572

How much do I need for 7 days in Las Vegas? As you can see, a vacation to Vegas for one week will cost an average of $1,723 per person or $3,446 per couple. (Source)

Can you go to Vegas on a budget?

Depending on your interests, you can have an amazing trip to Las Vegas on a budget. There are tons of budget-friendly hotels, cheap eats, affordable shows, and free things to do in Vegas for all travellers.

What’s the cheapest month to go to Vegas?

January is the cheapest month to go to Vegas. This the best time to find cheap Las Vegas flights and hotel deals. Vegas winters tend to be cold and dry, so it’s important to keep this in mind. Other cheap months to visit Vegas are February, April and September.

Is Vegas affordable to visit?

Yes, Vegas is affordable to visit. It doesn’t have to be expensive! You can find good deals on hotels if you stay during the week. There are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Las Vegas and you can save money by eating and drinking during happy hour.

Are drinks free in Vegas?

Las Vegas casinos serve free drinks to all gamblers. All you have to do is sit down at a machine and play. It’s recommended to tip your server to get better service and more free drinks.

Are taxis cheaper than Uber in Las Vegas?

Uber is cheaper than riding in Vegas taxis. If you’re traveling on a budget, then taking an Uber or using public transportation is the most cost-effective way to get around Sin City.