Published on September 3, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Las Vegas joins Los Angeles, Paris, Verona, Venice, and Zurich as the most expensive cities for a Fall vacation in 2025, and this is leaving many travellers shocked. The dream of an affordable break in Las Vegas or Los Angeles is fading fast, while Paris, Verona, Venice, and Zurich now top global lists of high-cost destinations.
As the price of hotels, food, and entertainment keeps rising, Americans are asking what comes next. Families, couples, and solo travellers want value, not inflated bills. Therefore, many are turning away from these costly cities.

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Instead, Americans are rushing to discover cheap destinations where their money stretches further. Cairo, Hanoi, and Tbilisi are emerging as top choices for budget travel. These cities offer culture, adventure, and affordability. This shift shows how travellers balance desire with cost, and why cheap destinations are becoming the new stars of Fall vacations.
Las Vegas in US has been ranked the third worst city worldwide for a budget Fall vacation, with Orlando topping the list of the most expensive destinations. Cairo, meanwhile, takes the crown as the cheapest city for a week’s stay. New research highlights how major US cities dominate the worst-value rankings, while global hotspots in Africa, Asia, and South America lead the list for affordable travel this Autumn season.

Why Las Vegas struggles with high costs in 2025

Las Vegas is one of the most famous tourist cities in the world. People travel from every corner of the globe to see the lights, the casinos, and the shows. But in 2025, the city is facing a new problem. The cost of visiting Las Vegas has become too high for many travellers. This makes the city feel less welcoming for those who want a budget holiday. The cost of hotels, food, drinks, and entertainment has gone up. For some, the dream of a Las Vegas trip is now out of reach.
The rise in prices is not just a small change. Reports show that the average price for a budget stay is among the highest in the world. This has made Las Vegas one of the worst value cities for a holiday. The image of a fun, cheap break is now fading. Visitors see Las Vegas as an expensive trip, and some choose to stay away. This is why tourism in the city is beginning to slow down in 2025.

Hotels and rooms are too expensive for budget visitors

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The cost of staying in Las Vegas hotels has climbed year after year. Even budget hotels now charge more than before. Many hotels also add resort fees and extra charges. These fees often surprise visitors at the end of their stay. What looks cheap at first turns into a high bill when all costs are added.
Big events like Formula One races, concerts, and new attractions raised hotel prices in 2023 and 2024. Hotels found that travellers were willing to pay. So, the higher prices became normal. Even when there are no big events, hotels keep the prices high. At the same time, workers in hotels and restaurants asked for better wages. These new wages increased the costs for the hotels. As a result, nightly rates went up even more.
In 2025, tourists who try to book a budget room in Las Vegas often see a price close to luxury destinations in other parts of the world. Many visitors who hoped for a cheap stay now decide not to come. This is a key reason why tourism numbers are falling.

Food and drink prices hurt the tourist budget

Food and drink are another big expense in Las Vegas. Meals in restaurants are not cheap. Drinks in bars and clubs are even more costly. A simple dinner in a mid-range restaurant often feels expensive for travellers from outside the United States. Many restaurants also add service charges and extra fees. This makes the final bill larger than expected.
Wages for restaurant workers have also gone up. This has helped employees but has raised costs for visitors. At the same time, Las Vegas is famous for luxury dining. Many celebrity chefs have restaurants on the Strip. These places charge high prices. Even casual dining is more costly compared to other cities.
For travellers who plan to eat out three times a day, the food bill can feel overwhelming. Tourists compare this with destinations in Asia or South America where meals cost much less. The difference makes Las Vegas lose its image as an affordable fun city.

Entertainment and shows are priced out of reach

Entertainment is the heart of Las Vegas. People come to see concerts, residencies, sports, and the famous casinos. But in 2025, these entertainment options cost more than ever. Ticket prices for shows use dynamic pricing. This means prices go up when demand is high. Even budget tickets for big shows are expensive.
Sports games add to the high cost. The Raiders, the Golden Knights, and other events at Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena push ticket prices higher. Many events also add service fees, facility charges, and convenience costs. A ticket that looks cheap online can end up costing much more by the time payment is complete.
Clubs also set minimum spending rules. Tourists cannot just enter for a low price. They must spend a set amount on drinks or tables. For many, this is too expensive. Visitors who once came to enjoy Las Vegas nightlife now feel pushed away by the high costs.

Canadian tourism dip in 2025

Canada has always been one of the biggest sources of visitors to Las Vegas. Canadian tourists come for gaming, shows, and short breaks. But in 2025, fewer Canadians are travelling to Las Vegas. There are a few reasons for this change.
The Canadian dollar is weaker against the US dollar. This makes every purchase in Las Vegas more expensive for Canadians. A hotel that costs $200 in US currency feels much higher when converted into Canadian dollars. Many Canadian families and groups find the trip too costly and choose other destinations.
Air travel also plays a role. Some airlines reduced direct flights from Canadian cities to Las Vegas. This made tickets more expensive and less convenient. At the same time, Canadian travellers can fly to sun destinations in Mexico or the Caribbean at lower costs. These places also offer all-inclusive packages, which feel like better value compared to Las Vegas.
The result is a clear dip in Canadian visitor numbers in 2025. For Las Vegas, this is a serious loss because Canadians often stay longer and spend more than other groups.

Overall trip costs are very high

When all costs are added, a Las Vegas trip in 2025 is one of the most expensive holidays in the world. The hotel bill is high because of resort fees and taxes. Food and drinks are costly at every level. Entertainment is expensive and comes with hidden charges. Transport is also not cheap. Rideshare prices go up with demand, and parking fees are charged at most hotels.
For travellers who plan a seven-day stay, the cost adds up quickly. A simple trip with a hotel, meals, one show, and some local transport can easily cost more than $1,200 per person. This makes Las Vegas rank with the most expensive destinations worldwide. Many travellers compare this with other cities where a week costs less than $300. The contrast is clear, and many decide against Las Vegas.

Weather and heat also play a role

The summer of 2025 was very hot in Nevada. Many days saw extreme heat warnings. This kind of weather makes it hard for tourists to walk on the Strip or enjoy outdoor attractions. Families and older travellers often avoid the city during these months. Some postpone their trips to cooler seasons, while others cancel altogether.
Heat also affects daily spending. Visitors stay indoors more, which means they spend on expensive indoor activities. This increases the cost of the trip further. The mix of extreme heat and high prices makes August 2025 a difficult period for tourism in Las Vegas.

Why visitors look elsewhere

Travellers today have many options. Asia, Africa, and South America offer cities with low costs and rich culture. Cairo, for example, offers a week’s stay for under $70 per person. Hanoi in Vietnam costs less than $170. These cities give travellers unique experiences at a fraction of the Las Vegas cost.
When travellers see these comparisons, Las Vegas loses appeal. Social media also spreads the message that Las Vegas is “too expensive now.” This affects the way people think about the city before they even book. Many younger travellers and budget tourists skip Las Vegas and choose destinations where their money goes further.

The impact on tourism industry in Las Vegas

Tourism is the lifeblood of Las Vegas. Hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues all depend on visitors. A drop in tourism numbers affects jobs and revenues. When Canadians and other international visitors stay away, the impact is clear. Local businesses feel the loss in spending.
Some hotels try to fill rooms with discount offers, but resort fees and taxes still make the stay expensive. Other operators continue to target high-spending tourists and business travellers. This creates a split in the market, where budget visitors feel unwelcome. If this trend continues, Las Vegas could face long-term problems in keeping its global reputation as a fun and affordable city.

What Las Vegas must do next

Las Vegas has the power to attract tourists again. But it must address the issue of costs. Hotels may need to be more transparent about resort fees. Food and drink venues can create more budget options. Entertainment providers can add affordable shows and tickets.
The city also needs to maintain flight links with Canada and other key markets. Airlines and tourism boards can work together to keep fares competitive. Local authorities must also invest in cooling and comfort solutions for extreme heat. This could make visitors feel safer and more relaxed during hot months.
By focusing on value, Las Vegas can bring back the tourists it is losing in 2025. Without change, the city risks being known only as a luxury destination, too expensive for most travellers.

Orlando tops global list of most expensive Fall trips

Orlando, Florida, takes first place as the worst city for a budget break. A week-long stay in the city costs a staggering $1,344 per person, even when sticking to budget accommodation and meals. Known for its theme parks and entertainment attractions, Orlando continues to draw millions of travellers each year. Yet, for visitors hoping to keep costs down this Fall, the city’s pricing places it firmly at the bottom of value-for-money rankings. The research underscores how Orlando’s booming tourism economy comes with a hefty price tag for everyday tourists.

Zurich ranks second for worst vacation value

Zurich, Switzerland, comes second in the global rankings for poor budget value. Travellers spending a week in the Swiss financial hub will need around $1,214 per person. Zurich is admired for its pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and luxury lifestyle, but this comes with costs that rival some of the highest in the world. From hotels to local transportation, budget travellers are often shocked by how quickly expenses add up. While Zurich is a dream destination for many, it is not one for those seeking an affordable Fall vacation.

Las Vegas labelled third most costly destination

Las Vegas, Nevada, lands in third place on the global list of worst-value destinations for Fall 2025. A one-week budget stay in the city averages $1,204 per person. Despite its reputation as a playground of entertainment, casinos, and nightlife, the costs for accommodation, dining, and activities make Las Vegas a challenging choice for budget travellers. The city markets itself as affordable fun, but the numbers tell a different story. Even for travellers limiting spending, a week in Las Vegas is among the most expensive Fall getaways worldwide.

New York City adds to US dominance of costly breaks

New York City ranks as the fourth most expensive destination for a budget break. A visitor in the US’s largest metropolis will spend about $1,141 per week. The city’s attractions, from Times Square to Broadway, make it a global travel hub, but costs rise quickly. Affordable lodging is rare, meals are costly, and entertainment prices are steep. The ranking highlights how American cities dominate the least affordable list. For travellers wanting a city break in the US this Fall, New York offers unforgettable experiences—but not without significant expense.

Venice and Verona showcase costly Italian escapes

Italy also features prominently in the worst-value rankings. Venice is placed fifth, with an average cost of $1,114 for a week’s budget stay. The canals, gondolas, and historic architecture make it one of the world’s most visited cities, but it has long been criticised for its expense. Verona follows closely in sixth place, at $1,069 per person for a week. Both cities combine history, culture, and charm, yet their high tourist traffic keeps prices elevated. These Italian cities remain dream destinations, but not for budget-conscious travellers this Fall.

Chicago highlights high costs of US urban trips

Chicago, Illinois, comes seventh among the world’s most expensive budget destinations. Travellers can expect to pay $1,004 for a week-long stay. The city is famed for its architecture, museums, and lakefront, but accommodation and daily expenses place it firmly among the least affordable. This marks the third American city in the top seven worst-value destinations. For visitors seeking a classic US city experience this Autumn, Chicago delivers in culture but proves costly when comparing global value options.

Copenhagen and Paris represent costly European icons

Copenhagen, Denmark, ranks eighth with a budget-week cost of $971 per person. The Danish capital is praised for its quality of life, design, and gastronomy, but affordability is a challenge for travellers. Paris, France, takes ninth place at $966 per person. Known as the “City of Light,” Paris offers unmatched cultural and historical landmarks, but prices for even budget accommodation and meals are high. Both European capitals attract millions of tourists each Fall, but the rankings make clear that their appeal does not extend to affordability.

Los Angeles completes the top ten costly destinations

Los Angeles, California, rounds out the list of the ten worst-value cities. The city’s average budget stay costs $949 per week. Known globally for Hollywood, beaches, and its role as a cultural capital, Los Angeles draws huge numbers of domestic and international travellers. However, the study shows that even budget travellers will face steep costs across food, transport, and entertainment. With this, five US cities appear in the top ten for poor affordability, confirming that America dominates the list of costly urban vacations.
The research reveals stark contrasts between costly Western hubs and affordable global cities. Orlando, Zurich, and Las Vegas dominate the worst-value rankings, while Cairo, Tbilisi, and Hanoi lead for affordability. The data shows how budget travellers benefit from exploring outside traditional Western destinations. Cities across Asia, Africa, and South America provide rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost. For Fall 2025, travellers must weigh the lure of famous but pricey cities against the unique value offered by emerging affordable destinations.
In 2025, Las Vegas faces a real challenge. Hotels, food, drinks, and entertainment all cost more than ever. Canadian visitors are staying away because of high prices and weak exchange rates. Extreme heat adds to the difficulty. Together, these factors explain why tourism in Las Vegas is falling in 2025.
For travellers, Las Vegas no longer feels like a budget option. For the city, this is a wake-up call. If operators and officials want to protect the city’s future, they must make Las Vegas feel affordable again. Only then can the city recover its image as a fun, exciting, and welcoming place for visitors from around the world.
Sources:
budgetyourtrip.com
Euromonitor, The Top 100 Cities Shaping the Future of Urban Travel in 2024 (via Vacations & Travel)

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Tags: Cairo budget travel, cheapest cities travel, Las Vegas Fall vacation, Los Angeles, Orlando expensive trip

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