Best Money-Saving Tips for First-Time Las Vegas Travelers

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a fabulous time in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas can be an expensive city, and you can easily blow up your budget if you aren't careful. Yet you don’t have to be Dr. Evil, nibbling on your pinky as you spend 100 billion dollars on a large, iced latte and a scone to enjoy Vegas on a reasonable budget.

I'm the sort of guy who likes to save money where I can on any trip, especially in Vegas. Then, I like to put that savings toward a big splurge, such as a fancy dinner or a show. Along the way, I've picked up a bunch of tips and tricks for how to save money yet fully enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer.

CVS & Walgreens Are Your Friend

A lot of commissaries and convenience stores in the casinos on the Vegas strip and downtown are overpriced. Especially if there isn’t a price tag on anything.

Yet the strip is littered with 6 Walgreens and 5 CVS stores hiding in plain sight.

Many Las Vegas Walgreens have grab-and-go meals, discounted snacks and drinks.

While the prices are a little higher than you'll find back home, they're still much better than in the stores in the casinos. I'm not just talking about food, snacks, and OTC meds. Walgreens and CVS on the Vegas strip have a lot of the same souvenirs at half the price!

Eat Breakfast in Your Room

When I hit a Las Vegas Walgreens or CVS, I pick up some basic breakfast items. Walnuts, chocolate chips, and a protein bar will easily start my day. I don’t want a gut full of greasy bacon and eggs when I’m walking 10,000 steps on the Vegas strip anyway. Then, I wash it down with coffee made in the room's coffee maker or from a hotel lobby coffee shop.

Pro Tip: Split a Large Coffee

Most Las Vegas hotels have a coffee shop somewhere in the lobby. On day one, I’ll get two small coffees for me and my lady. Then, I save my insulated cup. On day two, I buy a large coffee and pour off a little in my cup and let her take the rest.  

Stay At the End of the Strip

The hotels toward the end of the strip tend to have more available rooms and are more likely to offer discounts on those rooms. The reality is that you aren’t going to spend a lot of time there other than sleeping.

Staying at the end of the strip on a weekday can save a lot of money on room cost.

If you’re only interested in playing slots or video poker, then one gaming area isn’t any different than another. They’re all governed by the same basic rules, and you’ll find similar machines everywhere. So, it’s only if you’re looking for in-person or table games that gambling style matters.

Yet you can usually find a great deal on a multi-night stay at a place like Circus-Circus or the Strat at the edge of the strip, compared to the places in the heart of it.

Visit Vegas Early in the Week

Many Las Vegas hotels and casinos offer impressive discount deals Sunday night through Wednesday night. This is when they’re usually struggling to fill rooms and will often offer them at a rate that covers the cost of operations.

I’ve seen and stayed in rooms for less than $50 a night, Monday through Wednesday. That was then $150 to $200 a night Thursday to Saturday, when demand was high.

Rent A Car Long Advance

Rental car rates in Las Vegas are competitive, and change based on supply and demand. If you want a cool convertible or an easy-to-handle SUV, you'll get the best rates if you reserve the car ahead of time. Most of the popular models are reserved 7 to 10 days in advance and the prices can go up steeply.

Less popular vehicles like pickup trucks tend to be cheap and might be available within the week you visit Las Vegas. On my last trip, I rented a massive three-quarter ton pickup truck a few days in advance for just $26 a day. Then drove it to Death Valley for a fun outdoor day trip.

I find Discover Cars network of rental cars has the best pricing and availability in Vegas

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo is free and has tons of shaded seating to take a break from walking the Las Vegas strip.

Las Vegas offers plenty of free activities for visitors. You can explore the Bellagio Fountains, the Wildlife Habitat at the Flaming, the Mirage Volcano, the Fremont Street Experience, and more

for free.

At the same time, most Las Vegas hotels often have beautiful atriums, gardens, and art displays open to the public.

Avoid High-Cost Dining on the Strip

Dining on the Las Vegas Strip can quickly add up, but there are affordable alternatives. Look for off-strip restaurants, food courts, or local spots where prices are significantly lower.

Steak Sandwich from the food court at New York, New York was less than $10 with fries.

Many buffets offer discounts during non-peak hours, and food trucks around the city provide tasty meals at a fraction of the cost of a sit-down restaurant. I prefer to eat as cheaply as possible for 2 out of 3 meals in a day, then splurge on a special experience for one of them. Especially if I’m traveling with my lady and I want to have a romantic evening dinner.

Use Public Transportation and Ride Shares

Parking fees and rides from taxis or private cars can quickly rack up. Las Vegas offers a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and the monorail, which can get you around the Strip for a fraction of the price. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also cheaper alternatives compared to traditional taxis.

Only Ride One Way

If I’m staying on one end of the Vegas strip, and I want to check something out in the heart or at the other end, I’ll catch a taxi, take the shuttle, or catch Uber/Lyft. Then I’ll walk back, which is usually a nice way to take in Las Vegas street culture.  

Sign Up for Hotel Loyalty Programs

Many hotel chains in Las Vegas offer loyalty programs with perks such as discounted room rates, free Wi-Fi, or even free meals and drinks. Signing up for these programs can add up to significant savings, especially if you’re planning on staying for more than a night.

Consider Gambling Off-Strip

Most of the major casinos on the Las Vegas strip have higher minimum bets and more expensive games. Off-strip casinos can offer the same experience for a much lower cost. Also, you can find cheaper slot machines with better options at these local casinos, giving you more time to play without breaking the bank.

Look for Combo Tickets and Packages

Las Vegas offers bundled deals that allow you to experience multiple attractions for a lower price. Packages often include tickets for shows, museums, or tours at a discounted rate. If you plan to visit several attractions, this is one of the best ways to save. By incorporating these tips into your Las Vegas visit, you can experience all the excitement the city has to offer while keeping your expenses in check.

To learn more about how to make the most out of a Las Vegas vacation and other amazing adventure content, you should follow Eric Beuning's Author Page.