Reno is a growing city known for its casinos and nightlife scene. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Reno?
You should plan to spend around $184 per day on your vacation in Reno. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $94 on meals
- $23 on local transportation
- $110 on hotels
A one week trip to Reno for two people costs, on average, $2,576. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,288
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,576
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One Month
Per person
$5,520
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One Week
For a couple
$2,576
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,152
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One Month
For a couple
$11,040
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Reno cost?
A one week trip to Reno usually costs around $1,288 for one person and $2,576 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Reno on average costs around $2,576 for one person and $5,152 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Reno will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Reno on average costs around $5,520 for one person and $11,040 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Reno expensive to visit?
Reno is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Reno can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $94 per day, mid-range travelers spend $184 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $373 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Reno.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Reno is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Yellowstone National Park or Charlottesville.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Reno Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Reno?
The average Reno trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Reno travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Reno cost?
Reno on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
|
$55
|
$114
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$18
|
$23
|
$32
|
|
Food 2
|
$38
|
$94
|
$220
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$88
|
$88
|
$88
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-19
|
$6-19
|
$6-19
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Reno on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Reno on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $94 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Reno to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $184 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Reno is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Whitney Peak Hotel is a solid choice for families, while Holiday Inn Express Reno Airport also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Reno here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $373 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport - Departure Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Reno
In Reno, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak summer season. Off-season prices average around $145, but in peak season, they can average around $271. Prices generally range from $88 to $427, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Reno for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $110. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $55 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Reno? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Reno include:
- Whitney Peak Hotel starting at $145
- WorldMark Reno starting at $168
- HYATT PLACE RENO-TAHOE AIRPORT starting at $203
- Courtyard Reno starting at $183
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Reno starting at $237
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Reno
Unfortunately, Reno does not provide a solid public transit network. There's a public bus system with routes around town.
Unfortunately, most of the city is not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $23 per person, per day, on local transportation in Reno. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Reno is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Airport Transfers To Reno & Lake Tahoe Regions for $135 details
- Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer for $65 details
- Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer for $65 details
How much does it cost to go to Reno? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Reno will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Reno, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
Food Budget in Reno
The food and cuisine in Reno is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the city that are worth visiting. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Reno can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Reno is $94 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$94
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Reno is around $94 ($94) per person, with previous travelers spending from $38 to $220. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Reno are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $28
- Lunch: $14 to $38
- Dinner: $28 to $66
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
There are plenty of diners, breweries, and pubs around town that offer cheap meals and drinks. Popular restaurant options include pizza, burgers, Italian food, Mexican food, and even Indian or Thai. You'll also find some decent restaurants in many of the casinos, although some may seem extravagant or overpriced.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Below are some standard food costs in Reno, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
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Dennys for Breakfast
$22
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Sushi DInner (for 2)
$40
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In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
$19
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Reno
It's not surprising that visitors come to Reno, as it offers nightlife, museums and attractions, food, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Reno typically cost an average of $88 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$88
Gambling is a popular way to spend time in Reno. Some of the city's more impressive and popular casinos include the recently built Silver Legacy, the vibrantly pink Eldorado, the family oriented Circus Circus, the original Harrah's Reno, the tropical themed Atlantis, and the largest option, the Grand Sierra Resort.
Popular places to visit within Reno that are not casinos include the Nevada Museum of Art, Wingfield Park, shopping and dining on California Avenue, the University of Nevada at Reno, Rancho San Rafael Park, Victorian Square, and Idlewild Park.
As a tourist destination, Reno hosts some popular festivals and events. Some of the more famous options include the Reno National Championship Air Races in September, the Great Reno Balloon Race, also in September, Hot August Nights, the Reno Rodeo in June, and Reno is Artown in July. Reno is also the closest major city to the Burning Man Festival, held every year in Black Rock City. It's a great place to pick up extra supplies as you are likely to pass through town on your way to the event. You're also likely to receive a discounted rate on your hotel if you choose to stay in Reno for the night instead of Black Rock City.
Other activities in the area include mountain biking, road biking, and kayaking. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you won't have to venture far for any number of outdoor activities.
Skiing options within a few hours drive of Reno include Mount Rose, Heavenly, Sugar Bowl, Diamond Peak, and Squaw Valley.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Reno. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Burning Man Art and Downtown Mural Private Tour for $65 details
- Reno Puzzling Adventure for $35 details
- 45 Minutes Twinkle Tours in Reno for $130 details
Nightlife Budget in Reno
Visitors to Reno find the nightlife exhilarating, enjoying nights filled with fun at the local bars, clubs, and parties. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $13 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Reno per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Reno. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Pedicab Distillery Tour for $192 details
- 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight for $25 details
Traveling in Reno
Reno, Nevada
In the northwest area of Nevada, Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After Las Vegas, it's the second most popular tourist destination in the state of Nevada. You'll find some nice resorts, elaborate casinos, nice restaurants and unique opportunities for entertainment throughout the city.
The city, referred to as "The Biggest Little City in the World", has a population of about 235,000. It's part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, which has a population of about 440,000.
Reno is located in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The city has a steppe climate with light to moderate snowfall in the winter months. Precipitation is most common during the winter and spring, but the city averages about 300 days of sunshine a year. Average temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
Neighborhoods & Around
Although many of the area's top attractions are outside of town, it's worth spending time in Reno's downtown as well. Just outside of the main casino area, California Avenue is a nice area to explore with many small shops and restaurants. The University of Nevada, Reno, has a pleasant campus to walk around as well. South Wells Avenue is a Latino area with interesting shopping and dining opportunities.
It's not hard to find cheap hotels in the area as there are plenty of chain options such as the Best Western, Motel 6, and Comfort Inn.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.