Last Updated on August 28, 2022
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Saving Money In Vegas
You may have wanted to visit Las Vegas at least once. Sin City is attractive, and many people dream of seeing it. There are tons of things to do and attractions to see in Las Vegas (you can do it by foot, bike, or car). Maybe you want to go because of the famous casinos and hotels, or you want to visit some unique sights that Vegas has to offer. Keep in mind that Sin City is not all about casinos and games. Some fun places to visit are:
- The Mob Museum
- Caesars Palace
- Fountains of Bellagio
- The High Roller
Despite the wish to visit Vegas, some people may think it is impossible due to their financial situation. A trip to Vegas could cost you a significant amount of money, but it is not impossible to make this dream come true. With the proper methods and tips, you can visit Las Vegas on a budget, having a fun time.
We will talk about how to save money in Vegas and recommend places to visit that will cost you little to no money at all.
How Much Savings Is Necessary To Visit Vegas?
If you plan on visiting Vegas any time soon, you need to have some savings. First, you should make a financial plan for your trip and include any activity you plan to do while there. Calculate how much money each one will cost you. Finally, prepare the final amount of money to take with you.
After you do your planning, you are ready to start saving money for your trip to Vegas. You can use some budgeting methods or apps if you can’t save money on your own. Some of the most used methods for saving money are:
These methods can be used to save money for a house, a trip, to fix credit scores, and more. If these methods are not enough for you, you can also use mobile apps to save money for your trip to Las Vegas:
The average price to visit Vegas for one week per person is $1,723. If you plan on staying longer, you should save $2,000 or more. If you go to Vegas on a budget with your partner for one week, you should have savings of $3,446. In the table below, you can see the average prices for the essential things in Vegas:
Activity (per day) | Cost per person |
Accomodation | $127 |
Transportation | $38 |
Food | $64 |
Entertainment | $63 |
Save Money While Visiting Las Vegas
Before you get to Vegas, you also need to think about airline tickets. Book a flight 1-8 months in advance for a better price and save money. If you can, choose to vacation when it is not peak season since it isn’t as crowded. Finally, you can use your reward points with an airline company to book a flight to Vegas.
Now, let’s say you were successful in your money-saving plan and your flight to Vegas. You just got there for your dream vacation, and you want to have a fantastic experience. Now the challenge is to visit Sin City on a budget and still be able to save some money. With some tips, this is possible.
First, you need to think about your accommodations. The average price for a hotel per day for one person is around $127. As we said, you need to find some ways to lower this price. For example, you can subscribe to a hotel loyalty program to save on your accommodation in Vegas. That way you can get a discount.
Also, you can book a flight with a hotel room as a package to save some money. It might also be better to book with the hotel instead of using third-party websites.
If you still want to save money on accommodations, avoid staying directly on the strip. Instead, book a room close for you to walk around and visit. For example, you can stay at:
- Palms
- The Rio
- The Signature MGM Grand
Also, if you do not use extras, you can ask to be pardoned for the daily fees. That fee includes the gym, a swimming pool, and other services from the hotel. When booking a hotel room in Vegas, make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the cost of the hotel and incidentals. If you are part of a particular group, like military, a student, or AAA member, ask if they have special discounts.
To save money on transportation in Vegas, avoid taxis. Using Uber or Lyft can help you save some cash. Also, the monorail is a great way to get around Vegas since it passes behind the strip. Whenever you can, use the bus instead of private transportation. That way you can also save on the parking fees.
When you visit Vegas, you must have a list to see some unique attractions and shows. You can do that for a low price. For example, you can get the Explorer Pass to visit various attractions. If you want to view different shows, you can buy tickets for half the price at Tix4Tonight. You can find that at:
- Casino Royale
- Showcase Mall
- Bally’s Grand Bazaar
Also, you can search for show discounts to see some great shows on your trip. Many times you can find shows in Vegas with great discounts.
How to eat cheap in Las Vegas
The good thing about Sin City is that there are a lot of places where you can eat for a lower price. You can search for specials from the casino or hotel. Also, you can get a steak and lobster at Tony Roma’s for $11.99. If you know any locals from Vegas, ask them for tips. They tend to eat cheap and know the best places. Also, you can check the review journal to discover the most affordable places for food.
If you are a sushi lover, you can take advantage of the AYCE – All You Can Eat sushi. You can find these locations around the strip. To save some money on food, take advantage of the food courts. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Fashion Show Mall
- Riviera Mardi Gras Food Court
- Park MGM Hotel
- The Venetian
Skip the room service in Vegas instead, and use the happy hour for food and drinks. The Graveyard specials that start at midnight are a good option for discounts on food and drinks.
While in Las Vegas, try to avoid buying alcohol since it can eat your food and drink budget. On average, per day, you would spend $44 on alcohol. Also, save money on coffee by bringing your own coffee and using the hotel’s coffee maker. In the table below, you can see an example of a daily food budget from travelers to Vegas:
Food and drinks | Daily cost |
Coffee | $5 |
Deep-fried twinkie | $1.07 |
Chocolate dip banana | $1.07 |
Gelato | $5.95 |
If you are on a particular day, like your birthday or bachelorette party, brag about it. It can lead you to get discounts based on the special days.
Save Money In The Casinos
To have some fun in the casinos (it is Vegas, after all), you can use some tips to save money. The first thing to know, if you play in a casino, you get free unlimited drinks. Be sure to set a gambling budget and stick to it. Visit the casino in the morning to find a seat because at night it can get crowded.
If you win something at the casino, stand up and walk out with your prize. Do not let the adrenaline keep you going because you can lose more money and end up with nothing.
Free And Cheap Things In Vegas
There are tons of free and cheap things to do in Vegas. If you want to save money, you should enjoy them. For example, you can take advantage of the benefits of your hotel loyalty program. Also, hotels have partners. They may have deals for the guests to visit cruise ships, shows, casinos, and resorts.
You can visit Fremont street and enjoy free shows, musicals, and special events. Also, you can see the Fall of Atlantis fountain show for free. It is a perfect show for kids. Yet, if you want to visit a 10-minute presentation for free, Sunset Stampede at Sam’s Town is the ideal choice.
One of the most visited attractions in Vegas is Bellagio’s Symphony of Fountains. Lucky for you, this breathtaking show is for free. You can view it from many locations, and there are more than 1,200 dancing fountains. If you are a nature lover, you must visit the botanical garden in Bellagio Conservatory, and it is designed based on the season.
If you are an ocean lover, you must visit the Aquarium Mermaids Shows at the Silverton. Named as one of the best free attractions in Vegas, it offers a chance to see a lot of tropical fish and mermaids that interact with the guests.
How To Move To Vegas On A Budget
Moving to Las Vegas is not easy, especially if you live on a budget. You should first save some money and plan ahead. If you want to move to Vegas on a budget, you can save some money by working extra jobs or using your skills for a side hustle.
Also, think about moving your things. Make sure to send the important stuff, and the rest you can sell in a garage sale. Then, you can save extra money and use it to move to Vegas. Before you proceed to Vegas, the most important thing is to be sure you’ve thought your decision through.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
How long should you stay in Vegas on a budget?
Your stay in Vegas depends on your overall budget. To have the best experience in Vegas, you should plan to stay between four and six days there. For that, you will need around $984 and $1,476 to cover all your expenses.
How to spend less in Vegas?
The best way to spend less money in Vegas is to visit the free attractions and shows. If you want to see a place that requires tickets, check to see if there are any coupons or discounts for that show. Also, make sure to research and ask if there are places to eat at low prices.
Should you pay in cash in Vegas?
Try to pay in cash in Vegas. If you play in casinos or visit a restaurant, it is essential to carry money with you. The reason for that is because of the high fees at ATMs. You can also use debit or credit cards, but try to avoid using ATMs to withdraw cash.
How can I win money in a casino in Las Vegas?
To win money while you are in Vegas, you should consider some of these tips:
- Avoid using the same strategy.
- Bet safe, but with high wagers.
- Avoid consuming alcohol during the game.
- When you are 20% up or down, walk away from the game.
What to do if you win a lot of money in Sin City?
Suppose you are lucky and win a lot of money while in Vegas. You should know that you need to pay taxes after that. Those winnings count as ordinary income, and you have to pay taxes. After that, you can use the money to stay more days in Las Vegas or invest it wisely for future trips worldwide.
Sources:
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Diamond, K. (2019, May 9). 10 graveyard specials to try in Las Vegas. Eater Vegas. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://vegas.eater.com/maps/best-graveyard-specials-las-vegas-restaurants
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