Las Vegas visitors confront higher costs as tourism slips

Las Vegas is facing renewed scrutiny over price levels as tourism slows, with visitors recounting steep costs across the city even as market data show a sustained decline in July attendance and Strip occupancy. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported July visitation at about 3.089 million, a roughly 12% drop from the same month a year earlier. Strip hotel occupancy also fell, sliding about 7% from the 2024 level of 86.5%. The shifting economic backdrop matters for a city whose economy leans heavily on visitors, gaming, and hospitality.

Daisy and Ben, a couple from the United Kingdom finishing a cross-country road trip in Las Vegas, said the trip’s costs in the city stood out versus other U.S. stops. They pointed to about $20 for two coffees as an example of what they described as higher-than-expected prices for basic items. The couple noted that the price tag for everyday items in Las Vegas had, in their view, outpaced other destinations on their itinerary.

Travelers with family connections in the area cited a range of experiences with pricing. Katherine from College Station, Texas, who was celebrating her daughter’s 16th birthday in Las Vegas, described a latte priced at about $14 and a lemonade near $12, with water bottles also noted as unusually expensive. Her daughter, Cammie, added that costs for beverages and small add-ons felt elevated for a city known for entertainment and dining options.

Another visitor group highlighted what they described as high entry costs to experiences and venues. Janice and Faith, who were in town for a conference with their husbands, recounted an $18 breakfast at Starbucks and a Cosmopolitan around $30, while a separate note mentioned a $50 minimum for blackjack in some casino areas. They emphasized that while the visit was enjoyable, the price tag for some amenities surprised them and colored their perception of the trip.

Oren, an Irish traveler in town for a family wedding, observed a price split between downtown and the Strip, noting that downtown Las Vegas could be cheaper than areas on the Strip. That dynamic, he said, reflects a broader mixture of pricing tiers across the city’s hospitality and entertainment ecosystem.

Lisa and Linda from Lake Stevens, Washington, were in Las Vegas to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. Linda described an early check-in cost of about $50 as heavy, while Lisa cited roughly $30 drinks as a notable expense. A younger member of the same group said he’d heard about a $95 ATM withdrawal fee on the Strip, a figure that underscored the range of charges visitors encounter in concentrated gaming zones. A separate traveler noted a $50 minimum on blackjack as another sharp price point some guests encounter during their stay.

What visitors describe as price sensitivity comes as the city grapples with broader market signals. The July numbers show fewer people traveling through Las Vegas, a trend that has implications for local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues that rely on steady visitor traffic. The data also underscore the tension between maintaining the city’s status as a premier U.S. travel destination and managing consumer expectations amid rising costs for lodging, dining, and experiences.

In the mix of experiences, some guests reported finding value in certain districts or during non-peak times. One traveler said downtown options could be more affordable than those found on the Strip, illustrating how price dispersion across Las Vegas can influence visitor choices and itineraries. Analysts note that price trends in major resort cities are shaped by multiple factors, including labor costs, utility expenses, and tourism demand cycles, all of which interact with the city’s marketing campaigns and the broader hospitality industry.

The July data provide important context for business leaders and policymakers overseeing tourism economics in Nevada. While the numbers indicate a cooling period, they also come alongside ongoing efforts by the city to diversify its appeal beyond high-stakes gaming and premium experiences. In the near term, operators may seek to balance pricing strategies with promotions, bundled offers, and targeted marketing to attract both high-spending travelers and more price-conscious visitors.

Overall, Las Vegas remains a premier destination with a diverse mix of price points, from downtown venues and value-priced beverage options to premium experiences along the Strip. The challenge for the local economy is to translate a slower growth environment into sustained visitation, encouraging both leisure travelers and convention attendees to remain engaged with the city’s broad array of amenities while managing expectations about cost.

Another facet of the market narrative is the potential impact on consumer behavior. If price signals persist, some visitors may adjust their plans—spending more time downtown, seeking lower-cost dining options, or prioritizing experiences with bundled pricing. For business operators, the evolving mix presents an opportunity to recalibrate offerings, emphasize value, and tailor pricing to different segments of travelers while continuing to deliver the signature Las Vegas experience that draws millions to the destination each year.