Like much of the rest of the country, inflation has fully arrived in Las Vegas.
A July 2025 report from the local Las Vegas news station, KTNV, dove into just how hard locals are being hit by the cost of living increases that have been ramping up nationwide since January.
More than a few Las Vegas residents interviewed for the story said they’re barely getting by these days, as prices on everything from groceries to gas and rent tick steadily upward.
The latest Consumer Price Index indicates that the nation’s inflation rate is now 2.9 percent.
In that same KTNV report, economics professor and research director for the Center for Business & Economic Research at UNLV, Stephen Miller, attributed rising costs to the new presidential administration’s sweeping tariffs on imported goods.
“At some point, this tariff tango that’s been going on for months is going to have its effect on prices,” Miller told the news outlet, adding that he believes the increases will continue.
“I expect it to go up. I don’t know how much, probably maybe 3-4 percent for a few months,” he said.
But it’s not just locals feeling the pinch these days in Las Vegas. A vacation to Sin City can also put a big dent in a visitor’s wallet.
Another local news report, from X107.5, reported in March that“Las Vegas Strip hotel rates increased notably during the first quarter of 2025, with the average price for the visitor accommodated by MGM Resorts ticking upward 3 percent, while prices for properties owned by Caesars Entertainment increased 6 percent.
“January 2025 set a milestone with average nightly rates approaching $200, reflecting a 2% increase from January 2024 and a $30 rise since 2019,” the outlet reported.
Still, Las Vegas tourism officials stress that even amid inflationary pressures, there continues to be a price point for every level of traveler interested in visiting Sin City.
Kate Wik, chief marketing officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, made this point at the recent Luxury Summit, a convention that was held in the city and attended by public relations and travel industry journalists from around the world.
“I think what is so unique about Las Vegas is we create ‘Wow’ experiences at every price point,” Wik explained during a panel discussion about travel trends.
“A trip to Vegas is not a necessary trip, it is an indulgence,” Wik continued. “Regardless if you’re staying at an entry-level resort on the Strip or you’re staying at a Wynn or Fountainbleau or Resorts World…What our consumers can expect is regardless of their price point and their budget, they’re going to have these unbelievable, only-Vegas type of experiences. That is what we’re built on.”
Las Vegas sign. (Photo Credit: Jen Mallia)
Las Vegas on a Budget in 2025
Wik’s commentary rings true with many other tourism industry insiders and travel professionals, who also say it’s still possible to visit Las Vegas without spending a small fortune, even amid the current economic climate.
The secret is knowing where to look, say those same experts.
For starters, avoid staying at hotels located on the city’s famous Strip, suggests Robert Kraus, owner of the event planning company Small Conferences LLC, which regularly books gatherings in Las Vegas.
“Downtown or even a block or two off the strip itself can save a bundle,” Kraus told TravelPulse. “Plus, all the strip hotels are union. That means all the costs are at least 20 percent higher than the non-union properties.”
Some of the more budget-friendly, off-Strip properties that Kraus suggests include Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino; The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower; Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino; Palace Station; Alexis Park Resort, and also Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino.
It’s also possible to find deals on food in a city notorious for pricey meals and over-the-top dining experiences in celebrity-chef-helmed restaurants.
Francis Hellyer, founder and CEO of the travel platform tickadoo, where travelers can book theater, events, and experiences, says some of the budget friendly options that are favorites among locals include Peppermill Restaurant, Tacos El Gordo, and Momofuku’s weekday lunch menu.
There’s also many budget-friendly experience options, adds Hellyer, who has more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry watching how destinations adapt to every price point. On this front, he suggests exploring places like Las Vegas’ Neon Museum, which features vintage signs from old casinos and other businesses. Entry is $25 for adults.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden display, which includes a 14,000-square-foot botanical gardens, is another notable option, one that is free to explore.
Yet another free experience, The Downtown Container Park, located in downtown Las Vegas, offers visitors the opportunity to explore an outdoor shopping mall and entertainment complex where all tenants are housed in metal cubes and shipping containers.
“Even shows can be affordable. Tickadoo regularly lists discounted tickets to productions on the Strip, and mid-week performances often drop below half price,” says Hellyer.
Bottom line? There can indeed be a Vegas for all budgets. You just need to be flexible and willing to travel away from Vegas’ legendary Strip.
“Vegas is consistently our top booking US city and is often cheaper than its rivals,” says Tim Gunstone, chief communications officer for the hotel booking platform HotelPlanner. “It has a huge range of hotels and therefore prices.”
“To avoid the expensive rates, you need to be flexible,” Gunstone adds. “Vegas hosts huge conventions, and if you are booking during one of these, the rates are incredibly high. If you can avoid these, then bargains can be found. Off the main strip is always cheaper.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
