South Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking town known for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. 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. Whether you're skiing on the slopes, enjoying the nightlife, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to South Lake Tahoe that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to South Lake Tahoe?
You should plan to spend around $146 per day on your vacation in South Lake Tahoe. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $66 on meals
- $24 on local transportation
- $108 on hotels
A one week trip to South Lake Tahoe for two people costs, on average, $2,044. 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
$1,022
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,044
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One Month
Per person
$4,380
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,044
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,088
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One Month
For a couple
$8,760
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to South Lake Tahoe cost?
A one week trip to South Lake Tahoe usually costs around $1,022 for one person and $2,044 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to South Lake Tahoe on average costs around $2,044 for one person and $4,088 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 South Lake Tahoe will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to South Lake Tahoe on average costs around $4,380 for one person and $8,760 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is South Lake Tahoe expensive to visit?
South Lake Tahoe is a terrific town that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although South Lake Tahoe can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $64 per day, mid-range travelers spend $146 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $278 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to South Lake Tahoe.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, South Lake Tahoe is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is South Lake Tahoe Expensive?
Lake Tahoe
How much money do I need for a trip to South Lake Tahoe?
The average South Lake Tahoe trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these South Lake Tahoe travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to South Lake Tahoe cost?
South Lake Tahoe on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
|
$54
|
$99
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$11
|
$24
|
$47
|
|
Food 2
|
$29
|
$66
|
$128
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$24
|
$56
|
$108
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$8-23
|
$17-52
|
$33-100
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to South Lake Tahoe, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $64 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
South Lake Tahoe is packed with plenty of hostels, including Mellow Mountain Hostel. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to South Lake Tahoe will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $146 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Alpenrose Inn is a great choice for kids, and Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites is another wonderful option. For a romantic stay in South Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Lake Tahoe by VRI Resort is an excellent option for couples. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our South Lake Tahoe hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $278 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the town with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Wild West Day Trip to Virginia City from Tahoe with Train Ride - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in South Lake Tahoe
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in South Lake Tahoe can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in South Lake Tahoe in the off-season is $418, but in the peak summer or winter travel season it will average around $780. In general, you can expect hotel prices in South Lake Tahoe to range from $150 to $1,789. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in South Lake Tahoe for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $108. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $54 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in South Lake Tahoe include:
- Heavenly Village Condos starting at $222
- 7 Seas Inn at Tahoe starting at $119
- Alpenrose Inn starting at $191
- The Coachman Hotel starting at $216
- The Lodge at Lake Tahoe by VRI Resort starting at $169
If you're headed to South Lake Tahoe with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
There are plenty of resorts in this town to choose from. Some may offer meals or at least breakfast, and many have restaurants on the premises.
A honeymoon in South Lake Tahoe calls for a luxury hotel, and there are many to choose from, including popular ones like The Lodge at Lake Tahoe by VRI Resort, Heavenly Valley Lodge Bed & Breakfast, and Hotel Azure.
Many people stay up to a week in South Lake Tahoe. If you're here for a longer time, you might want a vacation rental with a kitchen for preparing some of your own meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer or winter) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Many people like to explore South Lake Tahoe on foot, so you'll want to stay in an area that is at the center of everything. This can come at a higher price though.
During ski season, expect prices to go up, so plan to book your accommodations early. Many places with convenient slope access can fill up quickly and might be costly.
Transportation Budget in South Lake Tahoe
In South Lake Tahoe, the public transit system is not very good. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.
For those who enjoy foot exploration, this destination is perfect. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $24 per person, per day, on local transportation in South Lake Tahoe. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in South Lake Tahoe is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$24
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Heavenly Mountain to Sacramento Airport SMF, Departure Transfer for $215 details
- Northstar/Squaw Valley to Sacramento Airport - Departure Transfer for $215 details
How much does it cost to go to South Lake Tahoe? 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 South Lake Tahoe 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.
Food Budget in South Lake Tahoe
The dining options in South Lake Tahoe are good, but they don't stand out enough to be one of the main tourist attractions. You can find a few exceptional places in the town worth visiting. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in South Lake Tahoe can vary significantly, the average cost of food in South Lake Tahoe is $66 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$66
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in South Lake Tahoe is around $66 ($66) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $128. 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 South Lake Tahoe are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $20 to $46
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Why not save some bucks and enjoy the sights by having a picnic? Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful spot to enjoy your meal.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you want to experience the culture in South Lake Tahoe, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Lake Tahoe Sunset Dinner Cruise for $140 details
- Persian Cooking Class with Private Chef for $120 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in South Lake Tahoe
It's no surprise that South Lake Tahoe sees many visitors since it offers nightlife, hiking, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in South Lake Tahoe typically cost an average of $56 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.
$56
Skiing:
If you're into skiing or snowboarding, South Lake Tahoe is where you want to be. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.
Hiking:
Exploring the hiking trails near South Lake Tahoe is a wonderful experience. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore South Lake Tahoe. 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:
- Electric Dirtbike Adventure in Lake Tahoe for $200 details
- Sunset Hike and Photography Adventure in South Lake Tahoe for $110 details
- Tahoe Coastal Self-Guided E-Bike Tour - Full-Day | World Famous East Shore Trail for $140 details
Nightlife Budget in South Lake Tahoe
People travel from far and wide to enjoy the world-class nightlife that South Lake Tahoe has to offer. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $34 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in South Lake Tahoe per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$34
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Nightlife is fun, but be cautious when drinking. Thieves target distracted people, so stay with your group and trust your instincts to keep yourself safe.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in South Lake Tahoe. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise for $150 details
Traveling in South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, California
South Lake Tahoe is the largest town on the famous Lake Tahoe that straddles the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Mountain Range. Located just south of Reno, Nevada and about 2 hours east of Sacramento, the Lake Tahoe area is easily accessible to many visitors.
Lake Tahoe is known for skiing and other winter sports, as well as plenty of warm weather activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, mountain biking, and more.
South Lake Tahoe has plenty of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shopping. This is a good town to base yourself if you're looking to explore the area, as it has a large number of amenities.
Located on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe is the town of Stateline. Here you can find some casinos, as gambling is legal in Nevada.
If you're looking to go skiing or snowboarding, the Heavenly Ski Resort can be found on the southern edge of the town of South Lake Tahoe. Naturally, more ski resorts are located around the lake as well.
As swimming is also popular, several beach areas are on the southern section of the lake including the Regan Memorial City Beach, Lakeside Beach, Pope Beach, Emerald Bay State Park, and the Edgewood Resort area (on the Nevada side).
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.