Comparison · Las Vegas vs Phoenix · United States
Las Vegas vs Phoenix
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Eric Kilby, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
Choose Las Vegas for The Strip and Casinos; choose Phoenix for Sonoran Desert and Camelback Mountain. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 412 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 412 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Las Vegas
- March–May and October–November
- Best time for Phoenix
- November–April
Side by side
| Las Vegas | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | The Strip, Casinos and Shows and residencies | Sonoran Desert, Camelback Mountain and Saguaro cacti |
| Best time to visit | March–May and October–November | November–April |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$400 | $200–$380 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 40°C (104°F) | July, 41°C (106°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 14°C (57°F) | January, 19°C (66°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | LAS | PHX, AZA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Las Vegas for…
The Strip and Casinos. Las Vegas packs giant themed resorts, casinos, shows and restaurants along the 6.8 km Las Vegas Strip, with the older Downtown and Fremont Street a short bus ride north. Beyond the gaming floors, visitors come for Cirque du Soleil and concert residencies…
Choose Phoenix for…
Sonoran Desert and Camelback Mountain. Phoenix sits in the Sonoran Desert, ringed by rocky mountain parks such as Camelback, Piestewa Peak and South Mountain, where saguaro cacti grow minutes from downtown. Winters are sunny and warm, which makes the Valley of the Sun a major escape from November…
Top sights compared
| # | Las Vegas | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Las Vegas Strip | Desert Botanical Garden |
| 2 | Fountains of Bellagio | Heard Museum |
| 3 | Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | Camelback Mountain |
| 4 | Sphere | Piestewa Peak |
| 5 | Fremont Street Experience | South Mountain Park and Preserve |
Food compared
| Las Vegas | Phoenix |
|---|---|
| Resort buffet | Sonoran hot dog |
| Shrimp cocktail | Chimichanga |
| Steakhouse dinner | Cheese crisp |
| Chinatown pho, hot pot and dim sum | Carne asada tacos |
Which is cheaper?
Las Vegas and Phoenix cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $200–$400 in Las Vegas and $200–$380 in Phoenix (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Phoenix on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Las Vegas and Phoenix are about 412 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Las Vegas and 4 in Phoenix.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Las Vegas or Phoenix cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $200–$400 in Las Vegas and $200–$380 in Phoenix (estimates).
+Is Las Vegas or Phoenix better for a first trip?
Pick Las Vegas for The Strip and Casinos, or Phoenix for Sonoran Desert and Camelback Mountain.
+How far is Las Vegas from Phoenix?
About 412 km in a straight line.