Las Vegas often surprises newcomers: despite its big-city allure, the overall cost of living is
actually slightly below the U.S. average[1]. The region’s cost-of-living index is about 97.8
(where 100 is the national norm)[1]. With no state income tax[2], residents keep more of
their paychecks (though sales tax is ~8.4%[3]). For reference, a single person’s typical
monthly budget is around $3,100 on average[4], which experts note is cheaper than living
in comparable coastal cities like Los Angeles or San Diego[4]. Median household income in
Las Vegas is roughly $70,700[5], so many families find their earnings go farther here than in
higher-cost areas.
Housing Costs
Housing is the largest expense for most families. In Las Vegas, housing costs run above the
U.S. average (the local housing index is about 104.9, i.e. ~5% higher)[1]. Still, homes are
generally more affordable than in many coastal markets. The median home price is around
$445,000[6] (per recent data), which is below pricier markets like California, though slightly
above the national median. Suburban communities offer a range of options: for example,
family-friendly Henderson typically has homes from roughly \$400–\$700K, and Summerlin
homes often range \$500K–\$1M[7]. On the rental side, the average rent is about
\$1,460/month[8], which is significantly lower than the U.S. average (roughly 18%
below)[8]. In short, buyers and renters can expect moderately higher housing costs than
the national baseline, but still much lower than in many larger metro areas.
- Median Home Price: ≈\$445,000[6] (single-family home).
- Average Rent: ≈\$1,460 per month[8] (about 18% below U.S. average).
- Housing vs. U.S.: roughly 5% higher than U.S. average[1].
Utilities
Basic utility bills in Las Vegas tend to be somewhat higher than the national norm[9],
mainly due to the desert climate. Summer cooling can drive up electric bills: for instance,
typical electricity costs run around \$220–\$255 per month[10][11]. Natural gas and water
are relatively cheap (water is only about \$30/month on average[11]). Phone and internet
service cost roughly \$190 per month[10]. In total, you should budget roughly 10% or so
above U.S.-average for combined utilities. One way to save is through solar panels or
energy-efficient practices – Nevada even offers incentives for home solar to offset cooling
costs[12].
- Electricity: ~\$255/month (average)[11].
- Water: ~\$30/month (average)[11].
- Gasoline (fuel): ~$3.90–4.10 per gallon[11].
Transportation
Most Las Vegans rely on cars, given the city’s layout and mild winters. Gas prices hover
around \$3.90–4.10 per gallon[11], which is roughly in line with the national average. Public
transit (RTC buses) is available and affordable (\$2 per single ride; \$65 for a 30-day
pass[13]), but schedules are sparser outside the main urban area. A major perk: Las Vegas
has one of the shortest commute times in the U.S. – about 22–25 minutes on average[14].
This means less time and money spent on driving compared to other big cities. Overall,
transportation costs in Las Vegas are estimated around 13–15% higher than the U.S.
average[9] (largely due to fuel and auto insurance), but the short travel times and relatively
low traffic congestion help offset that.
Groceries and Food
Everyday groceries in Las Vegas cost a bit more than average – generally a few percent
above U.S. prices[15][16]. For example, staples like a gallon of milk (~\$4.80) and a dozen
eggs (~\$4.15) fall in the \$4–5 range[17]. One guide estimates Vegas grocery prices are
about 4–5% higher than national norms[15][16]. In practical terms, a single person might
spend on the order of \$500–\$1,000 per month on groceries[18], depending on diet and
family size. Eating out can vary widely: fast food meals are inexpensive (\$5–10), casual
dining in town runs \$10–20 per person, and nicer restaurants cost more. Many locals take
advantage of coupons, happy-hour specials, and large warehouse grocers to keep food
costs down.
Healthcare
Healthcare services in Las Vegas tend to be more affordable than in many parts of the
country. Studies show Las Vegas medical costs are roughly 14–16% lower than the U.S.
average[19][20]. For instance, a routine doctor’s visit is about \$115–\$120[21], a dentist
checkup around \$100–\$105[21], and an optometrist exam about \$110[21]. Prescription
drug prices and emergency room fees also tend to run below the national mean. Nevada’s
lack of a state income tax means lower overall cost, but remember to budget for health
insurance premiums or co-pays. In general, expect to pay significantly less for medical and
dental care here than you would in many other states[19][20].
Entertainment, Lifestyle & Taxes
Living in Las Vegas comes with world-class entertainment (shows, concerts, casinos) but
also many free or affordable options. Entertainment costs can add up: a movie ticket is
around \$13[22], and big shows or concerts often run \$50–\$150 or more[23]. Dining out
spans the gamut – from cheap buffets and fast food to upscale restaurants – but locals
frequently find deals (many restaurants offer early-bird specials or “locals” discounts). On
the plus side, everyday services are fairly reasonably priced: clothing, haircuts, and
personal care tend to be a bit cheaper here than average[19].
A major financial perk is Nevada’s tax climate. There is no state income tax[2], which is a
huge saving for households relocating from high-tax states. Instead, Nevada generates
revenue via sales and tourism taxes. The combined sales tax in Las Vegas is about
8.375%[24] (roughly \$8.40 on a \$100 purchase). Property taxes are very low compared to
most states – roughly 0.5–0.6% of a home’s assessed value (for example, about \$1,900–
\$3,100 per year on a \$400k home)[3]. Overall, the tax burden is lighter here, which helps
offset some of the city’s higher costs.
Bottom Line: Las Vegas offers many of the amenities of big-city life at a moderate price.
Housing and transportation run slightly above U.S. average, but groceries and utilities are
only a bit higher, and healthcare is noticeably cheaper[19][1]. With no state income tax[2]
and relatively low daily expenses, families and homebuyers often find Vegas more
affordable than they expected – especially when compared to coastal metros[4][5].
Planning ahead (for example, cooling costs in summer or shopping sales) can stretch your
budget, but in general Las Vegas can be a very affordable place for newcomers.
Sources: Latest cost-of-living data and local reports were used, including RentCafe,
Payscale, and regional moving guides[25][9][4][3], to compare Las Vegas expenses to
national averages. The author references these sources for all figures and statements.
[1] [2] [5] [24] Cost of Living in Las Vegas | Your Comprehensive Las Vegas Cost of Living
Guide – Move 4 Less
https://move4lessmoving.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-las-vegas/
[3] [4] [6] [7] [8] [11] [12] [13] [16] [17] [18] [21] [22] [23] Cost of Living in Las Vegas, Nevada
[Updated 2025]
https://www.redcarpetmovingcompany.com/cost-of-living-in-las-vegas-nevada/
[9] [15] [20] Cost of Living in Las Vegas, NV | PayScale
https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Nevada-Las-Vegas
[10] [19] [25] Cost of Living in Las Vegas, NV 2025 | RentCafe
https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/nv/las-vegas/
[14] Las Vegas is a Top City for Commuters – New Home Resource
https://www.newhomeresource.com/las-vegas-is-a-top-city-for-commuters/
