How To Afford Vegas On A Budget (& Even Make Money)!

Visit Vegas on a budget? Is that even possible!?

A trip to Las Vegas is all about living lavishly, sitting by the extravagant pools at the hotels, sipping on an overpriced cocktail and not caring about the cost of anything.

Let’s just say, Vegas and I didn’t exactly get a long. I’m not someone who can easily ignore the price tag.

And Las Vegas is many things, but it’s definitely not cheap!

Fortunately for you, I’ve worked out a few Las Vegas hacks to save (at least a bit of) money, and who knows, maybe even make some money and still live it up!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

How I Saved Money but Still Lived it up in Vegas | #savemoneytravel #travelhacks #moneysavingtipsvegas #lasvegastravel

How To Save Money In Vegas?

Even though it’s unheard of, there are a few ways to visit Vegas on a budget!

Choose Your Travel Dates Wisely (Avoid The Weekends)

Try to be flexible with your dates when planning your trip to Vegas.

Las Vegas sees a HUGE fluctuation in prices depending on the dates. The same hotel can skyrocket from $80 to over $1000 depending on the day of the week.

I saw the biggest increases to nightly rates from Thursday to Sunday, and during special events in Vegas.

So you can save a lot of money in Vegas just by booking on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Even Thursday night can be a lot cheaper than staying in Vegas Saturday night.

screenshot of Booking.com showing two months of nightly rates in April 2024 and May 2024. 1 week is highlighted and enlarged to show $2.1 k on Sunday May 19, $1.7 K Monday May 20, all the way down to $205 on Wednesday and down to $81 on Thursday and Friday. An examples of mgm grand in vegas showing how the dates can make a huge difference. — *There must be an event in Vegas this weekend for the price to go from $2.1 k / night to $81! After some research, I found the Las Vegas Motor Speedway event was happening May 17-19* 2024.

Watch out though where you’re booking your hotel! You might find a really good deal to stay at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas but it’s not a real website. I only trust Booking.com for hotels in Vegas, or the hotel website itself.

I stayed at the MGM Grand in Vegas, I enjoyed my stay but had a did have few issues at the start. Or jump to the end of this post for some more hotel recommendations on Vegas.

the classic las Vegas but on the wall of a venetian hotel that says welcome to las vegas gift shop. There's a neon stripped light behind it. And two gold stars lit up on either side of the sign

Enjoy The Many Free Things To Do In Vegas

You don’t have to pay for things to do in Vegas at all if you don’t want to. Seriously, there’s more than enough to do in Las Vegas without having to spend a penny!

A huge attractions in Vegas are the hotels, which are COMPLETELY free to walk inside. Some of my favourites are the Venetian, where you’re transported to Venice (you can actually go on a gondola ride inside the hotel!).

New York New York brings you to the streets of New York, and Excalibur transports you back to medieval time. It’s just incredible to see the one of a kind, and impressive architecture of each hotel. And you have all the hotels on the entire Las Vegas strip to explore.

The Flamingo Hotel is also more than just a fun name, you can actually head to the back of the hotel to meet their resident flamingos (and eve more wildlife!)!

And in the evening be sure to check out the free water show at the Bellagio Fountains. The show is every 15-30 minutes to a new song.

If you have some time, another fun thing to do in Vegas on a budget is to review a potential upcoming TV show at CBS Television City in the MGM Grand hotel. They show you a pilot for a new TV show and want your honest opinion, and in return they often offer different incentives.

several flamingos in a small water pond with green grass, and palm trees around them looking like their in their natural habitat. Then you see a building behind them and the top of a ferris wheel

Unlock More Things To Do In Vegas On A Budget With The MyVegas App

As soon as you know you’re going to Vegas, download the MyVegas app.

The MyVegas App is one of the easiest ways to save money, and be able to do more things in Vegas on a budget.

The app is a virtual slot machine that you can play and win virtual money. You’re given coins to gamble with, so you don’t have to use your own money.

Essentially, the more you play, the more loyalty points you earn which you can redeem for different rewards.

The MyVegas app offers discounts on hotel rooms, Cirque de Soleil tickets, restaurants in Vegas, and different activities in Vegas. The possibilities are endless!

The game is fairly easy to play, but there are a few tricks to optimize how you use your coins. Also, when you’re ready to redeem your coins, there are a few things to watch out for.

a screenshot of the loading screen for my vegas slots. A teal background with highlights so you can barely make out the shape of a 7. Every letter of Vegas is a different colour and font, there's even a lever on the side, just like a slot machine. Underneath the title, it says loading with periods after it. — *How to save money in Vegas: play MyVegas slots!*

Las Vegas Hacks: Use The Free Monorails To Get Around

The Las Vegas strip is pretty long, especially to walk it in the summer desert heat.

So there are actually two monorails you can use to get around easier and faster.

On the East side of the strip has a paid Monorail on the East side of the strip, starting at MGM Grand and going to the Sahara Las Vegas.

If you are interested in this Monorail, I recommend either buying one of the passes to save you money (otherwise a single ride is $6!). Or you can redeem loyalty points from the MyVegas App for passes.

But an even sneakier option is to take one of the three free tram on the West side that you can pretty much take across the whole strip for free.

take the free monrail to when visiting vegas on a budget. There's an elevated railway with a white tram speeding across it. It loos futuristic with white and completely dark black windows so you can't see inside. There are palm trees all around it and a parking garage behind it.

The first tram connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur (p.s. make sure to choose the right tram if you want to go to Luxor because there’s also an express tram that skips it).

This is a great monorail to use because the tram entrances aren’t that deep into the casino. In fact, the entrance for the Excalibur stop is just outside the hotel.

The second free tram takes you from Park MGM to the Bellagio (passing by the Aria and Crystals Shops). Unlike the Excalibur tram, this one is a real pain to get to. The tram entrance takes you through the entire casino (and shopping areas) on either end.

But it’s still a great option to escape the heat, and this way you can check out some more of the unique Vegas hotel architecture! But I don’t think you actually save that much time.

I actually never made it to the third tram, so I can’t comment on the logistics of taking it, but it takes you from the Mirage to Treasure Island. According to this in depth guide, it’s actually the least amount of walking to get to.

save money in las vegas on the free monorail. There are two tracks, on the right track a monorail just left. It's going towards the buildings of vegas, and the giant ferris wheel going high into the bright blue sky

How To Eat In Vegas On A Budget?

It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that food is outrageously expensive in Vegas.

And unfortunately, as humans, we need to eat. So there’s really no avoiding eating some meals in Vegas.

Lucky for you though, I found a few Las Vegas hacks to enjoy my food and not worry too much about how much it was costing me.

Redeem Restaurant Rewards On The MyVegas App

One of the best ways to eat at restaurants in Vegas on a budget is with the MyVegas app.

The app offers discounts at restaurants around Vegas, like a free appetizer or dessert, or a two for one deal on buffets.

How To Save Money In Vegas By Sharing Food

While dining in Vegas, I quickly realized that portion sizes are absolutely massive at most restaurants.

I swear, one meal is usually enough for two people to share (and sometimes even three). Full disclosure, I eat a lot, usually as much as my boyfriend (if not more sometimes), and we were able to share all our meals in Vegas.

vegas money saving food sharing ideas in Eataly restaurants. There are a few food stalls, like chef's table, and Laperitivo in a large food hall with a domed high ceiling. The lights are dimmed to create a nice yellow hued ambiance. People are walking around the hall, sitting at the bars of the restaurant.

We were cutting down the cost of our meals by half, and we still left feeling full. Plus as a little bonus, it acts as good portion control so we didn’t overeat (and always had room for dessert!).

Of course, this trick doesn’t always work because the size doesn’t always match the price. Sometimes the price was just outrageous and they don’t give you a portion to match. That was the case at Wolfgang Puck in the MGM Grand, and we ended up having to order two mains.

But if you do notice that you’re still hungry after sharing a main, you can also order an appetizer to share instead of a second main. Appetizers are cheaper than entrees, and they still come with a decent amount of food.

P.S. you might also be interested in my simple travel hacks for couples to save money!

wolfgang puck sharing food vegas hack. An photograph from above showing a full margarita pizza with fresh basil leaves, and two small appetizers on a wooden table with cutlery on top of fabric napkins

The Buffets Are Actually Worth It In Vegas (Well Used To Be)

If the portions aren’t big enough for you to share, then buffets are the way to go when dining in Vegas on a budget… although since the 2020 COVID pandemic, the buffets have started to shut down through Vegas being replaced by food halls…

Buffets in Vegas used to range from $30 to $75 / person, so it’s important to choose which one you dine at wisely.

The best was the Cravings Buffet at the Mirage with the lowest prices AND included bottomless wine and beer. RIP.

mirage cravings vegas buffet to save money in vegas on a budget. It's a trippy photo with a completely yellow hue in the room. Brown and beige patterned carpet. There's a relfective gold pillar in the middle of the room. There's an empty table for four to the right, but then a couple sits at the table on the left. People are standing in line waiting for food at the buffet.

Find The Affordable Vegas Restaurants

Even though it doesn’t seem like the restaurants in Vegas are affordable, you’re just not looking in the right places!

The best restaurants to eat at in Vegas on a budget is In & Out Burgers. For starters, it’s delicious.

And second, it’s still a pretty small food chain throughout the States. So when you find an In & Out Burger, you have to take advantage, especially when you’re in Vegas on a budget because the prices are just so reasonable!

For affordable Vegas food, the key is to find the food courts in the hotels. For example, New York New York has some reasonable priced restaurants, and even the MGM Grand across the street (p.s. check out Pieology for delicious pizza!).

the end of the Las Vegas strip with the MGM Grand las Vegas hotel on the corner. There's a giant golden lion welcoming you (but also terrifying you!). Billboards line the side of the hotel. You see the hotel portion in the background at the top it says MGM GRAND.

Las Vegas Hacks: Drink For “Free” In Vegas!

You can actually drink for free in Vegas!

In any casino in Vegas, sit down at a slot machine, and a waiter will eventually find you and take your drink order (you might have to flag them down!).

You can order what you want (including alcoholic drinks) for free. Be sure to tip your waiter if you want them to come back with more! Don’t expect speedy service here!

The idea of free drinks is that it’s meant to keep you in the casino gambling for as long as possible, so it might take a while for someone to serve you and bring your drink.

But as a non-gambler, you can still take advantage and save some money in Las Vegas this way. I would just sit down at a slot machine and pretend to play until someone came by. Depending on where you go, the drinks will vary in size, but hey you can’t really complain – it’s still free!

money saving vegas casino room. It's a dark room with a patterned carpets and zero windows. You see lines of neon lit slot machines at the front of the room but by the back of the room they're all blended together in a wave of neon lights.

Because water is so hard to come by in Vegas, I found this trick was also very helpful to stay hydrated while walking the strip. Asking for water will only get you a mini bottle, but at least you’ll be waiting in the A/C!

Pro Tip! Bring A Reusable Water Bottle?

The casinos removed their water fountains a few years back (which I find very unsafe), there isn’t really any simple ways to get free water anymore in Vegas.

But I did find two water fountains along the strip where you can refill your water bottle. There’s one on the top floor of M&M World next to the bathrooms and Ghirardelli has a water cooler.

I also always go to the gym at my hotel to refill my bottle before heading out for the day.

P.S. My favourite reusable water bottle to keep me hydrated and my water cold all day long in Vegas heat is the 1.2L Thermoflask – check it out on Amazon.

1.2 litre green thermoflask water bottle with a handle and a straw spout magically fitting in a cup holder

If you’ve waited to long at the casinos and want to have some more fun in Vegas on a budget, there are a few other affordable Vegas options for drinks…

Fat Tuesdays has a deal if you buy their souvenir cup (usually the largest size), you get a discount on refills. So buy one at the start of your trip to keep refilling!

And if you’re interested in a boozy brunch, head to the Hard Rock Cafe where they have a deal for bottomless mimosas (in 2024 it was $19.99!). Make sure to get there early to take full advantage of the deal!

a red curtain in the background with the iconic welcome to las vegas sign hanging from the ceiling behind the four life size statues of M&M personas: the yellow, green, blue, and red MnMs

Las Vegas Hacks For Fancy Afternoon Tea In Vegas

One of the priciest things to do in Vegas is to go for afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria, but what if I said that it doesn’t have to be!?

The Waldorf Astoria in Vegas has not only one of the best views of the strip, but also delicious high-quality afternoon tea. The only problem is the price.

It’s technically $50/ person for afternoon tea. I mean, I love tea, but not that much. That’s a lot of money to spend on a pot of tea and some snacks, even for me.

But what they don’t tell you is that there’s no requirement to order the afternoon tea when you’re there, unlike most places.

P.S. Elevate your afternoon tea experience with my printable Afternoon Tea Logbook to rate, review, and remember your tea at the Waldorf Astoria in Vegas!

Ask for their à La Carte menu, where you can order what you want! It’s still over priced, but it makes it a much more affordable Vegas afternoon tea option. Plus, let’s be real, you’re here to escape the heat, get off your feet, and just enjoy that view!

So you can order a pot of tea for $16, and 4 pastries or sandwiches for $12. Total that comes to $28 for as many people as you want!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a lot of money for tea, but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than spending $50 (a person!). AND the pot is big enough for two people to share (they might even fill it up with more hot water if you ask).

P.S. they even serve Matcha in the pot for the same price! You can even order it as a latte with steamed milk at no extra charge.

Give The Gift of Afternoon Tea!

Surprised your loved one with the gift of afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria with my printable afternoon tea voucher!

the best thing to do in vegas on a budget: go for afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria. You see Vegas below you, with the Aria hotel, the Eiffel tower, Planet hollywood hotel, and the start of the street. Everything below is so small, you can barely make out the cars on the street below.

In front of you is a table with the Waldorf Astoria folder hiding the cheque inside. There's a beautiful white teapot with butterflies and flowers and two matcha teacups. One is empty while the other still has their green matcha latte inside to be finished

Visit On Your Birthday To Actually Make Money In Vegas

The best time to go to Vegas is on your birthday, because you can actually come home with more money than you left with (without risking it gambling!)! I’m completely serious!

Go to Vegas on your birthday and at least three casinos will give you Freeplay money to gamble with.

Freeplay money is essentially money that the casino gives you to play slots. Every time you lose, it takes money off of your Freeplay credits. But when you win, those winnings are yours to keep!

From my experience, I was able to $25 from Park MGM, $20 from Excalibur, and I spun a wheel at Luxor!

I just played the slots only with the credits I was given, and as soon as they ran out, I cashed out! I made $60 that night without gambling my own money!

Vegas is all about celebrations, see a full list of birthday freebies you might be able to get to make Vegas a bit more affordable!

the best vegas hacks of all to make money in vegas: go to the vegas on your birthday. A closeup picture of the slot machine. On the small screen, it is written Happy Birthday! Above it you can see the available credit is $13.89.

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In Vegas?

We booked the MGM Grand for our stay in Las Vegas (view rates & availability on Booking.com), but there’s no shortage of hotels in Vegas! Here are some alternative accommodation options I’d also recommend.

For a truly unique stay, book a room at the Venetian Las Vegas Resort. Why not pretend like your in Venice for a few days!? See room rates & availability on Booking.com.

If you want to be truly pampered during your stay, book a room at the Four Seasons Las Vegas. Every room features either a mountain or strip view so you won’t be disappointed! See room rates & availability on Booking.com.

If you’re looking for a hotel just off the Strip but not too far, book the Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center. Perfect for longer stays with a kitchenette, and breakfast is always included! See room rates & availability on Booking.com.

See more accommodation options in Las Vegas on Booking.com.

The buildings on the las vegas strip from a street away/ Tropicana parking lot and hotel is directly in front. But soaring above it are the buildings and hotel making up the New York New York hotel. Across from it is the sign for the MGM grand.

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Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Mari

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

The Mirage Buffet is permanently closed now as well due to the pandemic.

Meghan

Friday 24th of June 2022

That's too bad, thanks for the update though!

Greg

Saturday 15th of January 2022

Some good tips, but as for myVEGAS app you still need to purchase chips. You are getting free daily chips but doesn’t add up as fast as you like, and a lot of items are sold out. I go to Vegas often and before the pandemic hit… Luxor and Excalibur buffet was my choice. At that you could eat all day for $50! That right $50 and if you add $5.99 You could drink beer wine and champagne for four hours. Now that being said I could use help finding something like that now….

Hi Greg, Thanks for your comment! I actually haven't logged into MyVegas since the pandemic hit but I've been meaning to look at it again since they've made a lot of updates. I had never put my own money into the app, I was able to use it everyday with the chips they gave and still make a decent amount of coins to use. You are right though that they do sell out of a lot of rewards, and I also noticed that some of the rewards changed based on your location (they were no longer available once I was in Vegas so they had to have been purchased at home).

Wow thanks for the tip about Luxor and Excalibur that's an AMAZING deal, I didn't know that was offered! Are they no longer offering this deal during the pandemic?

Alanna Koritzke

Saturday 10th of October 2020

Great tips! I love Vegas and it can definitely be cheaper than you think!

Wednesday 14th of October 2020

It really can! Just takes a bit of advance planning some times :P

Emma

Saturday 9th of May 2020

I thought the point of going to Vegas was to spend as much money as possible!! Just kidding :-) I love your tip about free drinks, I am always down for that :-)

admin

HAHA! YESS!!! The more money you save the more you can spend 😂

An Honest Review: Staying At The MGM Grand in Las Vegas -

Monday 16th of March 2020

[…] to find an affordable option. There’s no hiding it, Vegas is expensive so I put together 5 ways to save money while you’re there! Check it […]