Las Vegas is famous for its bright lights, endless buffets, and non-stop entertainment. The city is built for excitement, but not everyone who visits is there to splurge. Many visitors are regular working people who just want to have fun, eat good food, enjoy a few drinks, and see the sights without spending a fortune.
So how much does the average person really spend on a weekend in Las Vegas? Let’s break it down from hotels to food to nightlife and attractions to see what a realistic budget looks like.
Where You’ll Sleep: Hotels and Weekend Rates
Your hotel will probably be your biggest expense. Vegas has every kind of room you can imagine, from small budget motels to high-end suites. If you’re staying at a mid-range hotel on or near the Strip, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per night, plus resort fees that often add another $30 to $50 per night.
For a typical two-night stay, plan to spend about $250 to $400 in total. Prices go up during major events, concerts, or fight weekends. You can save a good amount by staying slightly off the Strip or choosing an older property like the Flamingo, LINQ, or Excalibur.
Many travelers prefer to spend less on the hotel so they can put more money toward food, drinks, and entertainment. It’s a smart trade-off.
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What You’ll Eat: Buffets, Restaurants, and Cheap Bites
Food in Las Vegas can fit any budget. If you stick to casual dining, expect to spend $15 to $30 per meal. Buffets vary widely in price. A solid mid-range buffet at a place like MGM Grand or Caesars Palace runs $35 to $50 per person, while cheaper options can be found for around $25.
If you eat out three times and visit one buffet, your total food cost for the weekend will likely be around $120 to $150. You can cut that number down by grabbing coffee and breakfast sandwiches instead of full sit-down meals or by eating off the Strip, where prices are lower.
Don’t forget to budget another $20 to $30 for snacks, bottled water, and small items throughout the day.
The Fun Part: Nightlife and Drinks
No Vegas weekend is complete without at least one night out. The city is known for its nightlife, and even an average evening can get pricey.
Big nightclubs such as Omnia, Hakkasan, and XS charge $30 to $100 for entry, depending on who’s performing. Inside, cocktails usually cost $15 to $20, and beers are often around $10. If you plan to go out once, it’s safe to expect $80 to $120 for cover and drinks.
If you prefer a few bars instead of a club, that’s much cheaper. Drinks at casual bars or lounges range from $8 to $15, so a relaxed night hopping between bars might cost $50 to $70. Fremont Street is also a great option with free live music, open-air bars, and plenty of energy without the high prices.
Attractions and Activities: Not Just Gambling
You can’t go to Las Vegas and not see something new. While some people gamble for entertainment, others prefer experiences that don’t rely on luck.
Going up the Stratosphere Tower (now called The STRAT) costs about $25 per person, or more if you try the rides at the top. The SlotZilla zip line on Fremont Street costs between $40 and $60, depending on the time of day.
Other fun options include visiting the Neon Museum, seeing the Bellagio fountains, walking through themed hotels, or catching a daytime pool party. If you skip the expensive concerts or Cirque du Soleil shows, your total for attractions might be around $50–$100 for the weekend.
Getting Around: Rideshares, Walking, and Public Transit
Vegas is walkable if you’re staying on the Strip, but those long blocks get tiring fast. Most people rely on Uber or Lyft, which usually cost $10–$20 per ride, depending on distance. If you’re moving around a lot, plan for $30–$50 total in transportation for the weekend.
You can also hop on the Deuce bus for a 24-hour pass under $10 or use the Las Vegas Monorail, which runs along much of the Strip. Walking saves money, but wear comfortable shoes — it’s easy to underestimate how long the Strip really is.
Small Extras That Add Up
There are always small, sneaky costs: tips, bottled water, souvenirs, late-night snacks, or small gambling losses. It’s smart to set aside another $30–$50 for random spending. Even a few slot machines or a yard-long margarita can change your budget fast.
Putting It All Together: The Real Weekend Cost
Here’s what your weekend in Vegas might look like if you’re going for fun but not luxury:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel (2 nights with resort fees) | $250–$400 |
| Meals and Buffets | $120–$150 |
| Nightclub or Bars | $80–$120 |
| Attractions | $50–$100 |
| Transportation | $30–$50 |
| Miscellaneous / Tips | $30–$50 |
| Total | $600–$800 |
If you go lighter on drinking or skip the nightclub, you can bring that down to around $450–$600. If you eat at fancier places or take in a show, expect to spend closer to $900–$1,000.
How to Enjoy Vegas Without Overspending
You don’t have to spend big to enjoy Vegas. Here are a few easy tips to make the most of your money:
- Avoid holiday weekends: Prices skyrocket around big events or conventions.
- Book hotels midweek: Even one Thursday night instead of Friday can save $50–$100.
- Use happy hour deals: Many bars and restaurants run half-off specials in the afternoons.
- Walk or share rides: Splitting Ubers with friends adds up to major savings.
- Choose one “splurge:” Maybe that’s a nightclub, a fancy dinner, or a zip line — not all three.
With a little planning, you can enjoy a full Vegas weekend without stressing about the bill when you get home.
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What If You Bring Your Girlfriend or Come With Friends?
If you’re coming to Las Vegas as a couple, you’ll spend less per person but more overall. A hotel room for two costs about the same, so you can split the $250–$400 lodging cost. Meals for two at casual spots usually run $40–$60, and buffets are about $70–$100 for both. If you go out together for drinks and a nightclub, plan for around $150–$200 total that night.
For couples, a realistic weekend budget is about $1,000 to $1,200 total, or $500 to $600 per person. That includes the hotel, meals, attractions, and a bit of nightlife.
If you come with a group of four friends, you’ll save even more on the hotel and rides. Splitting a room or two can bring the hotel cost down to $100–$150 per person, and sharing rides or pitchers at bars cuts costs quickly. Food and drinks might average $250–$300 each for the weekend, depending on how often you go out.
A group of four spending wisely can enjoy the same kind of trip for about $500 to $700 each, or roughly $2,000 to $2,800 total for everyone combined. Traveling as a group not only saves money but usually makes the weekend more fun since you can share meals, drinks, and memories together.
The Bottom Line
For most everyday travelers, a weekend in Las Vegas costs around $700 per person. That amount covers a decent hotel, good meals, a night out, and a few fun attractions. Vegas can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. The key is deciding what kind of weekend you want.
Whether you’re watching the Bellagio fountains, zip-lining over Fremont Street, or enjoying the view from the Stratosphere, you can have an unforgettable time without spending thousands. The city might be built for high rollers, but you don’t need to be one to enjoy it.
