How to Do Vegas on a Budget: Entertainment, Food, Hotels & More!

Vegas is extravagant. It’s bedazzled, lit up, and sparkly. But all that comes with a price tag, right? Not necessarily. 

We have some tricks on how to save money in Vegas and we’ve made a comprehensive guide for you to achieve this. Get ready to learn how to be a high roller in Vegas on a budget!

How to Plan a Trip to Vegas on a Budget 

Vegas may not be the cheapest destination, but its vibrant energy, world-class shows, top-tier dining, and the chance to win big make it a destination worth visiting. To save on your trip, timing is key. Summer and winter usually offer lower prices and fewer crowds, while spring, fall, weekends, and holidays bring higher costs due to bigger crowds and events.

While off-season months offer lower prices, you’ll get more bang for your buck visiting at peak times. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune—with careful planning and money-saving tips from this Vegas on a budget guide, you can experience the best of Vegas without breaking the bank.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Las Vegas? 

Visiting Las Vegas can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000 or more per day, depending on your time of visit, travel style, accommodation, dining, and entertainment choices. Luckily, there are ways to cut costs without cutting the fun. Plan your trip carefully, starting with accommodation.

Cheap Places to Stay in Las Vegas 

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Lodging in Vegas can be a real budget-buster, with average nightly rates hovering around $100 on Las Vegas Strip hotels. Luckily, opting for downtown digs or off-Strip deals can slash your bill. 

Airbnbs or hostels cost as little as $20 to $50 per night. To save even more, keep an eye out for seasonal promotions, last-minute deals, and packages. 

Best Budget Hotels in Vegas 

• Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

  This iconic pink flamingo-themed resort is one of the best cheap hotels in Vegas, offering a refreshing pool complex, a lively casino, and a wildlife habitat featuring flamingos (of course).

• Excalibur Hotel & Casino

  Excalibur is one of the best Vegas-on-a-budget accommodations for families with modern amenities, including multiple pools, a Fun Dungeon arcade, and a variety of dining options.

• Horseshoe Las Vegas

  Formerly Bally’s, Horseshoe is right in the center Strip, where all the action is. Their hotel rooms are of great value and give you easy access to the excitement of Fremont Street.

• The LINQ Hotel + Experience

  This hotel features stylish rooms, a fun casino scene, a pool with a view, a zipline, and direct access to The LINQ Promenade. It’s also a shopper’s paradise where you can find tons of restaurants, bars, and other fun things to do in Vegas on a budget.

🛎️  Pro Tip: Many resorts offer pool access for a fee, so you can still take a refreshing dip without paying for a lush hotel room!

Best Affordable Restaurants in Las Vegas 

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Las Vegas is a feast for the senses, but it doesn’t have to feast on your savings. To enjoy Vegas on the cheap without sacrificing your palate, look for daily deals, free drinks, happy hour specials, food trucks, takeaway spots, or buffets.

Best Restaurants in Las Vegas on a Budget 

• Tacos El Gordo

  This no-frills taco joint serves authentic and mouth-watering Mexican fare at unbeatable prices. Their signature al pastor and carne asada tacos are legendary.

• 5 Dollar Cafe

  True to its name, this eclectic diner offers a variety of delicious dishes at a fraction of the price you’d expect on the Strip. From breakfast favorites and Thai curries to Chinese stir-fries and American classics, their menu has something for everyone!

• Vickie’s Diner

  This old-school 50’s diner is a Las Vegas on a budget institution. Step back in time to a classic diner atmosphere and enjoy hearty American comfort food like burgers, fries, and milkshakes, all at reasonable prices.

• Viva Las Arepas

  Get a taste of Venezuela at Viva Las Arepas. This counter-serve spot specializes in delicious Arepas, Venezuelan cornmeal flatbreads filled with various savory ingredients.

• KoMex Fusion

  Get your hands on award-winning Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine in this mom-and-pop shop. Think kimchi tacos, bulgogi burritos, and other innovative dishes that are both delicious and affordable. Definitely worthy of a spot in your “Top Things to Do in Vegas on a Budget” bucket list!

• Evel Pie

  Named after the legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, this spot offers classic New York-style pizzas with a generous size, perfect for sharing. If awesome pizza is your definition of a casual and satisfying meal, this should be your next spot!

• Orchids Garden

  Dimsum in Vegas? We got you. Orchids Garden offers some of the cheapest, delicious dim sums in the city. Their small plates and dumplings rolled on carts will make your day.

🍸  Read more:

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Vegas On the Cheap: Entertainment & Nightlife 

Las Vegas never sleeps—which means all-day deals and discounts never sleep either. To enjoy the glitz and glam of Las Vegas on a budget, look for free attractions and shows—a lot of those are around! 

Las Vegas Music Festivals 

For the best bang for your buck, buy an Exodus All Access Pass. One all-access pass grants you entry to every Exodus event over the weekend, for under $200. Get VIP access to the hottest nightclubs and enjoy the legendary party scene in Vegas.

Other Vegas Entertainment 

• Bellagio Fountains

  Cheap stuff to do in Vegas can be absolutely free, just like the iconic free water show at the Bellagio Fountains. This show features choreographed fountains dancing to music and lights.

• Lake of Dreams

  No Las Vegas entertainment guide is complete without this free show at Wynn Las Vegas. Expect animatronic figures, special effects, vibrant scenery, and a captivating storyline to top off your Vegas on the cheap trip.

• Drag Shows

  Even when exploring Vegas on a budget, missing the best drag shows in the city would be a crime. These are some of the best cheap, fun things to do in Las Vegas for fans of camp, comedy, and fabulous costumes.

• Downtown Rocks

  Looking for cheap things to do in Vegas involving music? Head to the heart of downtown Las Vegas, along Fremont Street Experience, to enjoy free live music performances by up-and-coming artists every weekend.

• Circus Circus

  Catch a free circus show at Carnival Midway daily, and see the largest permanent circus in the world in action. As far as budget-friendly activities for families.

• STRAT Tower Observation Deck

  This iconic tower lets you catch 360-degree views of Sin City. With tickets starting from $20, it’s one of the most inexpensive things to do in Vegas.

Cheap Activities in Las Vegas 

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Enjoy Sin City without breaking the bank, by looking for cheap things to do in Vegas during the day. Take advantage of weekday promotions, which you’ll find plenty of in attractions and activities. 

Join a Las Vegas player’s club and you can get freebies and discounts on dining, shows, and attractions. Gambler or not, these perks stretch your Vegas vacay for longer. 

Inexpensive Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day 

• Check out the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

  Visiting this free attraction is one of the best cheap things to do in Las Vegas. Breathtaking floral displays that change seasonally never fail to offer a feast for the senses.

• Visit the Neon Museum

  Looking for cheap stuff to do involving a walk down Vegas history? The Neon Museum is an outdoor exhibition featuring iconic Las Vegas signs from decades past. Tickets are usually lower for daytime admission.

• Explore the Arts District

  Many cheap things to do in Las Vegas can be found downtown. The Arts District gives a nice break from the casinos with its galleries, unique shops, and restaurants.

• Play Pinball at the Pinball Hall of Fame

  Relive your childhood or discover the magic of pinball for the first time at the Pinball Hall of Fame. This museum houses a vast collection of classic and modern pinball machines. Admission is free, but don’t forget to bring quarters!

• Check out the Downtown Container Park

  As far as cheap things to do in Vegas go, visiting an open-air shopping and entertainment venue with unique stores and eateries is one of the best. It’s a great place to spend a casual afternoon exploring and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Las Vegas Budget Day Trips 

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Add some outdoor adventure and natural splendor to your vacation with budget-friendly Las Vegas day trips. Many national parks and conservation areas offer annual passes or combo passes that allow entry to multiple parks for a discounted price—a huge money saver if you plan to visit Las Vegas parks during your trip.

Exploring Beyond the Strip 

• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

  Hike beautiful trails, take a scenic drive, or rock climb the challenging sandstone faces. Entrance fees are nominal, and the park offers breathtaking views and diverse desert flora and fauna.

• Mount Charleston

  Escape the desert heat and head up to Mount Charleston for a breath of fresh air. Hike through a lush forest, visit the historic Mount Charleston Lodge, or take a scenic drive and enjoy breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Valley.

• Seven Magic Mountains

  Las Vegas on a budget can still be magical. Take a quirky, free art adventure to see the Seven Magic Mountains, a large-scale outdoor art installation featuring seven colorful, towering rock formations.

How to Save Money in Vegas 

Experience Vegas on the cheap, without sacrificing your enjoyment. Here are some smart strategies to stretch your dollar and experience the magic of Sin City:

• Don’t rent a car. The city is walkable, and any place you can’t walk to is likely accessible via Monorail, tram, or bus.
• Use the free shuttle service. Many casinos offer free shuttle services to and from specific locations on the Strip or even downtown.
• Dine like a local. Explore the numerous food courts and budget-friendly restaurants, many located off the Strip. 
• Don’t be scammed. Be cautious of street scams and overpriced tourist traps. Do your research and stick to reputable establishments.
• Choose your casinos wisely. Different casinos have different degrees of spending. There are some casinos made for young people on a limited budget, like O’Sheas. 
• Look out for reverse happy hour. Restaurants open with a Reverse Happy Hour that starts just after 10 p.m. (or 11 p.m. depending on the place).
• Ask for free stuff. Get to know some club promoters who are handing out flyers, or even ask the front desk people at the hotel you’re staying at. It’s worth a shot!

🎲  Learn more: The Best Las Vegas Activities That Don’t Require a Dime

Explore All of Las Vegas on a Budget! 

Here’s our final tip for you: if you really want to enjoy Vegas on a budget, book way ahead of time and watch for deals. Exodus Las Vegas has the party pass that gives you access to some of the hottest nightclubs and pool parties on the Strip. Get the VIP treatment without the pretty penny—enjoy a dedicated line with expedited VIP entry and zero cover charge with our ultimate pass.

Don’t wait till the last minute to plan your Vegas trip. Secure your party passes today and save big bucks on your Sin City getaway!