Vegas spending money

Question

Hi all. This is my 1st time abroad and we are going to Vegas for 10 days for a family members wedding.

Flights and hotel booked (Ceasars Palace) (not my idea, the families!!!).....but please please can someone help advice me on how much spending money each we should take? Excluding any gambling or excursions. Please help. I'm really worried about it. Thanks in advance. Mandy 😊

Answer

First off, congratulations on your first international trip, and your upcoming time in Las Vegas for the wedding! It’s understandable to be worried about how much spending money you’ll need, but don't worry—I'll break it down for you so you can feel more confident in your planning.

Since you’ve already booked your flights and hotel at Caesars Palace (which is a fantastic location right on the Strip), I’ll help you focus on the costs you’ll need to cover during your 10-day stay, excluding gambling or excursions. Here's a general guide:

1. Food and Drinks

Meals in Vegas can vary greatly depending on where you choose to eat. For casual meals, like at food courts or quick-service restaurants, you might spend around $10–$20 per person per meal.
Mid-range restaurants will typically cost $20–$50 per person for a sit-down meal. Popular spots within resorts can be a bit pricier, especially if you order drinks, appetizers, or desserts.
If you plan to enjoy a few fancy dinners or brunches at high-end places like Nobu or Gordon Ramsay's restaurants, budget around $50–$100 per person per meal.

2. Coffee, Snacks, and Drinks

If you're someone who enjoys a morning coffee or snack, expect to spend about $5–$10 per item (more if you're grabbing it from a high-end coffee shop or bakery).
For cocktails, the cost at a hotel bar or lounge is typically $10–$20 each, with specialty cocktails sometimes being $20–$30.

3. Transportation

If you're not planning on renting a car, taxis and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are popular ways to get around. Expect to pay around $10–$20 for short trips, and $30–$50 for longer rides (e.g., from Caesars to Fremont Street).
If you're planning on using public transit, the RTC bus system offers a 24-hour pass for around $8, which is a great value if you're going to be taking public transportation frequently.

4. Miscellaneous (Shopping, Souvenirs, etc.)

Souvenirs in Las Vegas vary, but a typical souvenir t-shirt or small gift can cost $10–$30. If you’re planning to shop at places like The Forum Shops at Caesars or other high-end malls, you may spend a bit more depending on what catches your eye.
Many people set aside some extra money for spontaneous activities, such as visiting attractions (like the High Roller or Madame Tussauds) or enjoying a show. While you’re excluding excursions, you may still want to consider if you’d like to do something impromptu like seeing a Cirque du Soleil show ($50–$150 per ticket).

Budget Recommendations

If you're on a mid-range budget, I would suggest planning for about $50–$75 per person per day for food, drinks, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. This should comfortably cover your needs without going overboard, and it gives you room to treat yourself to a nice meal or activity now and then.
If you prefer a more comfortable cushion, budgeting $100 per day per person would allow for more flexibility and the option to enjoy a few higher-end meals, cocktails, or shopping without worrying about running out of cash.
For a 10-day stay, that would total approximately $500–$1,000 per person, depending on your preferred spending level.

Remember, Vegas is a city that caters to a wide range of budgets, so whether you’re dining at a buffet or indulging in a gourmet meal, there are options to suit most preferences. Also, if you're worried about carrying too much cash, you can always use a credit or debit card, as most places in Vegas accept them without issues.

Overall, I’d suggest budgeting around $500–$1,000 for your 10-day stay, excluding gambling or excursions, depending on how lavish or budget-conscious you want your trip to be. You'll likely end up spending a bit less than this unless you go all out on fine dining, shows, or high-end shopping.

I hope this helps take some of the worry out of your planning! Enjoy your time in Las Vegas—it's a city full of excitement and endless things to do!