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The heart of Las Vegas is covered in blow all your money and have fun weekend entertainments. It has the casinos, hotels, and stages show to keep you busy for months, but anyone settling there permanently has a different set of plans that do not involve Lasing all their money. The cost of living in the city of sin is not a good way to evaluate the entire state.

  • What to Consider before Moving to Las Vegas
  • Is it Expensive to Live in Las Vegas?
  • What is a Good Salary in Las Vegas?
  • What is the Average Income in Las Vegas?
  • Is Nevada Expensive to live in?
  • Is Buying a House in Las Vegas a good Investment?
  • What are the Best Paying Jobs in Las Vegas?
  • How much does Walmart pay in Las Vegas?
  • Cost of Living in Las Vegas VS Chicago
  • Cost of Living in Las Vegas VS California

What to Consider before Moving to Las Vegas

Housing

In the years leading up to the housing and financial crisis, the city had some of the hottest property in the country, but with the recession, the city Last a good portion of what it had invested in their red hothouses. The housing prices have stabilized and Las Vegas houses have appreciated significantly since 2000. They have appreciated by 91.71%.

Read Also: Top 28 Exciting Cities to work in Nevada

Buying a home in Las Vegas is now just over $295,000. This is an amazingly good price to pay compared with other large cities such as San Francisco which is averaging $952,400 and Portland which is around $389,000.

If you are planning on moving to the area and buying a home, then you should make sure you have your finances in order first. Consulting with a financial advisor can be your first step towards your dream home and getting your finances in order.

Renting

It is far easier to rent an apartment in Las Vegas than it is in other major cities. The market for them isn’t as volatile and are largely affordable with the average studio in Las Vegas coming in at $763, with a one-bedroom costing you  $933 a month and a two-bedroom running $1,157.

It should be noted that the rents listed above are cheaper than the national averages, but are still more costly than the rest of Nevada with the average Studio costing $725, a one-bedroom $883, a two-bedroom $1,109 and a three-bedroom $1,610.

Utilities

No matter where you move to, you will end up play utilities in some form or fashion whether they are separate from your rent or home payment or wrapped up in the cost of the rent, they will be there. Utilities cost $148.24 per month for a 915 square foot space. This is an estimate that includes the cost of electricity, heating, water, and garbage. The internet is higher than the national average at around $68.28.

Food Costs

Las Vegas’ food costs are extremely low for the area with the average monthly food costs of $286 a month at $9.23 a day. That is well below the national average of over $300+.

The low costs of food are offset by the cost of eating out. A cheap meal in Las Vegas will run $15 with a mid-range meal costing you around $50.00

Transportation Costs

Las Vegas does not have the mass transportation systems of other cities. It does have a monorail which costs a single rider $1.00.  You can pay for unlimited rides and day passes which will cost you around $56 for a seven-day pass. There is a residential discount that drops the single ridership to $1 if you do not have a Nevada driver’s license.

 Las Vegas does have a bus system which will cost you $65 a month with reduced pricing for youths, seniors and people with disabilities.

 Most people in Las Vegas try to own their own vehicle if possible which brings the price of gas up to $3.46 a gallon which is actually below the state average of $3.49. It is still higher than the national average of $2.87. Nevada has some of the highest gas prices in the country because it is one of those areas you need a car to get around in.

Taxes

 What makes Las Angeles really stand out from the nation is the city’s hotel tax which is upwards of 13.35%, with an 8.25% sales tax. Both of these are designed for the tourists visiting the city though anyone who lives there has to deal with them as well. The state does not have a state income tax.

 Property taxes are relatively low with the tax rate averaging between 0.47% and 1.04%. This depends on where you live within the entire stat, not just Las Vegas. Nevada is a fairly affordable place to live if you do not live in Las Vegas.

Is it Expensive to Live in Las Vegas?

Living in Las Vegas is alluring, with its world-class nightlife, bountiful outdoor recreation and an average of 330 sunny days per year. The income you need to live in Las Vegas depends on factors that include the part of town you call home and whether you have dependents to support.

Average costs for necessities such as rent, utilities, food and transportation provide an excellent place to start.

Las Vegas Averages

The cost of rent, food and even things such as gas vary wildly in Las Vegas depending on the neighborhood. Not surprisingly, everything is more expensive around The Strip, where tourists, many of them wealthy, descend in droves with piles of money to spend on entertainment.

Even on the outskirts of town, certain suburbs, such as Henderson, cost more to live in than others, such as North Las Vegas. The following figures are based on citywide averages and may end up being lower or higher depending on where you settle.

Las Vegas Average Rent

As of May 2019, the average apartment in Las Vegas rents for $1,115 per month. One-bedroom units rent, on average, for $980, while two-bedroom rentals average $1,250 per month.

Luxury apartments on or near the Strip frequently can rent for more than $3,000 per month. On the other end of the gamut, some of the least expensive apartments rent for under $750 per month. Many of these are in neighborhoods that have high crime rates or are blighted.

Las Vegas Average Utilities

Las Vegas is famous for blazing hot summers with daily highs well above 100 degrees. Many people are unaware, however, that the city can get very cold in the winter, sometimes even accumulating snow. Fall and spring, by contrast, are pleasant.

As a utility customer, expect your monthly bill to vacillate significantly based on the time of year. The average utility bill for a 1,000-square-foot apartment in Las Vegas is $180 per month.

Las Vegas Average Food Costs

Food costs in Las Vegas hover around the national average. A gallon of milk costs $3.41, and you can get a dozen large eggs for $2.35. A loaf of bread costs $2.26, and $4 can buy you a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

By grocery shopping in bulk and severely limiting meals eaten in restaurants, you can maintain a healthy, filling diet in Las Vegas for $400 per month or under.

Las Vegas Transportation

Driving in Las Vegas is very expensive compared to most cities. As a car owner in Las Vegas, your biggest costs, other than the vehicle itself, will be auto insurance and gas. Monthly insurance premiums run twice as much in Las Vegas compared to other cities in Nevada.

Even for minimum coverage, it is not uncommon to pay $100 per month or more. Gas is similarly costly in Sin City. As of August 2019, the average Las Vegas gas price is $3.22 per gallon, which is 14% higher than the national average.

If you do not drive, a one-way bus ticket in Las Vegas costs $2, or you can purchase an unlimited monthly pass for $65.

Living in Las Vegas as a Student

Las Vegas is a big draw for college students. The nightlife is incomparable, and the weather is ideal for young, active people. With smart budgeting, living in Las Vegas as a student is possible on a shoestring budget.

While rents are slightly elevated near the city’s largest university, the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, you can find two-bedroom apartments for around $1,200. Apartments typically allow two residents per bedroom; sharing a two-bedroom apartment with three other students means your rent share is only $300 per month.

Your utility bill is similarly divided: assuming it comes to $200, you pay $50. Add food costs of $400 per month and minimal transportation costs, since, ideally, your apartment will be close to campus, and you can cover basic necessities as a student in Las Vegas on $1,000 per month.

Living in Las Vegas as a Professional

Professionals can live in Las Vegas on a modest salary, though their living costs are almost always higher than that of students. Most professionals prefer not to have roommates and prefer to drive to their destinations.

As a Las Vegas professional, you should count on $1,100 to $1,200 for rent and around $200 per month for utilities. Your car insurance could also be as much as $200 per month.

Depending on the length of your commute, monthly gas costs are anywhere from $100 to $200 or more. A professional can still keep a food budget of $400 per month, but even a few meals out on the Strip each month can blow that budget.

It is feasible to live in Las Vegas as a professional on $2,500 per month, or $30,000 per year, but it requires strict budgeting. A yearly income of $40,000 to $50,000 leaves more room for emergencies and extraneous costs, not to mention a little extra money to enjoy the city every once in a while.

Living in Las Vegas as an Unemployed Job-Seeker

Las Vegas is not an ideal city to live in when unemployed and looking for a job. The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Nevada is $407. It is difficult enough to pay for rent, utilities and food on that amount.

When you add car expenses – pretty much a necessity so you can get to job interviews – it becomes a mathematical impossibility.

As of January 2020, the Las Vegas metro area unemployment rate is 3.9%. That is significantly higher than the national rate of 3.5%, and the number does not even tell the whole story. Even if you land a job quickly, there’s a decent chance that you will still end up struggling to pay the bills.

Thousands of Las Vegas residents who are employed still cannot make a living because service jobs, many of which do not even pay a living wage, dominate the city.

The city’s high unemployment rate and dearth of decent-paying jobs combined with Nevada’s low unemployment benefit amount makes Las Vegas a poor relocation choice for an unemployed person seeking work.

What is a Good Salary in Las Vegas?

A person working in Las Vegas typically earns around 96,600 USD per year. Salaries range from 24,400 USD (lowest average) to 431,000 USD (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).

This is the average yearly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries vary drastically between different careers.

The median, the maximum, the minimum, and the range

Salary Range

Salaries in Las Vegas range from 24,400 USD per year (minimum salary) to 431,000 USD per year (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher).

Median Salary

The median salary is 94,600 USD per year, which means that half (50%) of the population are earning less than 94,600 USD while the other half are earning more than 94,600 USD.

The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

Percentiles

Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population are earning less than 53,600 USD while 75% of them are earning more than 53,600 USD. Also a diagram, 75% of the population are earning less than 258,000 USD while 25% are earning more than 258,000 USD.

What is the Average Income in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The US average is 3.7%.

Las Vegas has seen the job market increase by 3.5% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 39.0%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Las Vegas
– The Sales Tax Rate for Las Vegas is 8.3%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Las Vegas is 0.0%. The US average is 4.6%.
– Tax Rates can have a big impact when Comparing Cost of Living.

Income and Salaries for Las Vegas
– The average income of a Las Vegas resident is $25,555 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year.
– The Median household income of a Las Vegas resident is $50,903 a year. The US average is $53,482 a year.

Is Nevada Expensive to live in?

In general, Nevada is slightly more expensive to live in than the rest of the country.  However, the state’s cost of living is skewed upward partially because the state’s most populous cities are comparably expensive.  

The median home cost in the state of Nevada is slightly more than $275,000 as compared to the national average of $216,000.  This is not to say all Nevada homes cost several hundred thousands of dollars.  Rather, homes in wealthy areas like suburban Las Vegas are comparably expensive.  

As an example, a nice four-bedroom house in Henderson, Nevada will likely cost $200,000 to $300,000 while the same size home would sell for significantly less in a a less populous, more rural part of the state such as Pahrump.

Is Buying a House in Las Vegas a good Investment?

Regardless of their experience, knowledge, and background, all real estate investors buy rental properties in order to make money. That’s the reason why you should consider investing in income properties in Las Vegas in 2021. Sin City has been and promises to continue to be one of the best places to invest in real estate in 2021.

The profitability of rental properties there exceeds the rate of return that most other major US cities offer, as this Las Vegas real estate market report shows. While the city average capitalization rate for both short term and long term rental properties is below what is considered a good cap rate, it is more than what other top locations will offer in 2020.

What investors need to do is to get access to the best real estate investment tools for 2020 to facilitate rental property search and analysis.

The second most important advantage of investing in Las Vegas real estate is the affordable property prices in Sin City. It might sound surprising, but finding cheap houses for sale in Las Vegas in 2020 will be fully feasible and achievable. 

Las Vegas real estate market analysis shows that the median home value there is significantly less than in the vast majority of other most profitable locations for real estate investments. This is of particular importance to new real estate investors who still have little cash or few other financing options.

Savvy real estate investors should care not only about the short term return which will get in the form of rental income. They need to consider long term profitability as well. In the last two decades, real estate appreciation in Las Vegas has been very good, above the national average.

In 2021 Las Vegas real estate prices are expected to continue going up at a reasonable pace. This means that investors will be able to take advantage of long term appreciation without the need to make hasty investment decisions before property prices become unaffordable.

Last but not least, according to the Las Vegas housing market forecast, Sin City will remain a buyer’s market in 2020. This is positive news for everyone planning to buy an investment property there in the new year.

Although making a profitable real estate investment in a seller’s market is possible if you use the right tools, it’s much easier in a buyer’s market.

What are the Best Paying Jobs in Las Vegas?

We decided to go directly to the source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

After scrounging through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we discovered that Pediatricians, General are the highest paid people in Las Vegas.

Here’s a quick look at the top ten highest paying jobs in Las Vegas:

  1. Pediatricians, General
  2. General Internal Medicine Physicians
  3. Chief Executives
  4. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
  5. Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
  6. Family Medicine Physicians
  7. Dentists, General
  8. Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
  9. Marketing Managers
  10. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Everyone’s favorite, dentists, place number 7 on the list of highest paid professions in Las Vegas. So the next time you sit there while they drill you can dwell on the fact that they are getting extremely well paid for it.

How much does Walmart pay in Las Vegas?

As of Dec 9, 2020, the average annual pay for the Walmart Cashier jobs category in Las Vegas is $32,879 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.81 an hour. This is the equivalent of $632/week or $2,740/month.

While we are seeing salaries as high as $71,357 and as low as $14,177, the majority of salaries within the Walmart Cashier jobs category currently range between $19,847 (25th percentile) to $32,606 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $61,433 annually in Las Vegas.

The average pay range for a Walmart Cashier job varies greatly (as much as $12,759), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.

Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Walmart Cashier job market in both Las Vegas, NV and the surrounding area is very active.

To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Walmart Cashier jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.

Cost of Living in Las Vegas VS Chicago

You would need around 5,677.89$ in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 4,400.00$ in Las Vegas, NV (assuming you rent in both cities).

RestaurantsLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant15.00$15.00$
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course70.00$75.00$
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)8.00$8.00$
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)6.00$5.00$
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)7.00$7.00$
Cappuccino (regular)4.47$4.19$
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)1.89$1.98$
Water (0.33 liter bottle)1.45$1.60$
MarketsLas Vegas, NChicago, IL
Milk (regular), (1 liter)0.82$0.79$
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)2.60$3.02$
Rice (white), (1kg)3.04$4.51$
Eggs (regular) (12)1.99$2.23$
Local Cheese (1kg)11.08$11.96$
Chicken Fillets (1kg)5.86$9.90$
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)13.08$12.64$
Apples (1kg)3.48$4.54$
Banana (1kg)1.55$1.55$
Oranges (1kg)2.71$3.92$
Tomato (1kg)3.47$4.85$
Potato (1kg)2.29$3.13$
Onion (1kg)1.97$2.85$
Lettuce (1 head)1.39$1.73$
Water (1.5 liter bottle)1.41$2.11$
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)12.45$12.00$
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)1.95$2.31$
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)2.13$2.31$
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)7.99$14.50$
TransportationLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)2.00$2.50$
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)65.00$105.00$
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)3.50$3.25$
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)1.71$1.68$
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)32.40$26.00$
Gasoline (1 liter)0.72$0.78$
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)23,070$23,200$
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)21,416$22,161$
 Utilities (Monthly)Las Vegas, NVChicago, IL
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment171.33$143.42$
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)0.24$0.24$
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)76.52$64.01$
 Sports And LeisureLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult26.92$55.29$
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)18.72$24.37$
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat12.00$15.00$
ChildcareLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child891.47$1,262.19$
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child14,615$19,961$
 Clothing And ShoesLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)48.96$50.78$
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …)39.14$42.38$
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)78.21$83.64$
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes89.19$114.12$
 Rent Per MonthLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre1,195.59$1,891.02$
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre946.72$1,277.91$
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre2,067.17$3,540.26$
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre1,610.84$2,183.69$
Buy Apartment PriceLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre2,512.24$5,068.30$
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre1,847.73$2,092.83$
Salaries And FinancingLas Vegas, NVChicago, IL
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)3,580.15$4,439.60$
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate3.964.03
Last update:December 2020December 2020
Contributors in the past 12 months:207304

Cost of Living in Las Vegas VS California

Both of the states are highly reputable states that you set your settlement with your family. But before doing so, it is crucial to have a look at their costs of living.

Cost of living in Nevada

Nevada is a big state that has got various cities in it, with Carson City being the capital. Some other segments of the state have higher costs of living, while other segments have lower costs of living.

For example, the average cost of health and utility bills in Nevada is less than the national average cost. However, transportation and grocery costs are higher than the national average cost. Let’s look at each segment individually.

Housing Cost In Nevada

Over the past year, the price of houses in Nevada has grown exponentially, and they are still expected to grow in the coming years. It is expected to rise by 3.5% in 2021. Currently, the average cost of a home on Nevada State is $306,954.

This is cheaper as compared to the cost of a home in California. The median value of a square foot in Nevada is $179. Nevada State is much lower than most of the states. The median rental price in the state is $1,550.

Buying homes in Reno, Nevada is much cheaper than buying in Sacramento, California. There are various houses for sale in Reno, Nevada, and the prices are as estimated above.

Utility Costs In Nevada

Utility costs in Nevada are much higher as compared to California. This is because of the climatic condition of the state. In Nevada, people run their ACs 6 to 8 months in a year.

This means that one household will have to pay almost $100 per month as their bill. Individuals who live in Mc Mansion styled houses, are likely to pay lower prices to regulate temperatures in their homes.

Transport Costs In Nevada

The average price of a gallon of gas in Nevada is $2.8, which is cheaper than that of California, as you will see later. Also, moving around the cities found in Nevada State is not expensive. Most of the transport fares around the towns range from between $1 to $2. The average price of auto insurance in the state is $985.39, which is a bit higher than that of the country, which is $889.01.

Food Costs in Nevada

Food costs in Nevada State are affordable as the average cost of the state hovers around the national average cost. A gallon of milk in Nevada costs $3.4, and a dozen of eggs is $2.35. This is just an estimate of the food prices in the state.

Cost Of Living in California

California State is a home of both the richest and poorest people in the country. This means that the cost of living in the counties varies depending on the location and economic state of the county. The capital city of California State is Sacramento, which is one of the most amazing places you can reside in. Let’s look at the various aspects of living standards in California.

Housing Costs in California

The costs of houses in California are higher as compared to Nevada. The price of homes in California is even higher than the average rental cost of homes in the country, which is $1,175. When you look at the median cost of homes in Sacramento is $355,030, which is higher than in other counties.

Los Angeles has a median rental value of $1,752, which more elevated than the national average. This signifies that the cost of houses in California is expensive. Houses for sale in Sacramento are available, but they require you to commit yourself before purchasing one.

Utility Costs in California

According to the U.S EIA (Energy Information Administration), residents of California pay relatively low bills for their utilities. The average monthly bill of Californians is $101.49%, which is lower than that of Nevada since, to them, that is the least amount you can pay. New Mexico pays the cheapest utility bills, while Hawaii pays the most expensive bills.

Food Costs in California

MIT Living Wage Calculator states that an adult who has no children and he is living in California requires a wage of $30,392, that is before taxes. Out of this amount, 11% of it will be spent on food only.

This means that food expenditure accounts for almost $3, 500. However, the cost of food varies in the state. For example, the average price of dozens of eggs in LA is 3.24 dollars, while in Fresno, it is 1.83 dollars.

Transport Costs in California

California State has the best traffic and stretches of highways. According to the analytics of GasBuddy, the average of a gallon of regular gas is $4.09. Care insurance rates in California are higher than the national average, which is $ 1,457. In California, car owners pay an average premium of $1,846. There are various public transport options in the state, but they vary from one region to the other.

It is now evident that the cost of living between the two states varies depending on which segment you are talking about. Generally, when we talk about the cost of living between the two states, then life in California is more expensive than in Nevada.

This is by considering the most vital sectors, housing cost. The cost of a house in Nevada is cheaper than that of a similar home in California. Otherwise, your area of residence in the state also matters.

Read Also: 31 Premium Freelance Websites to Find Work in 2021

Some areas in Nevada are more expensive than some other regions in California. In the same way, some regions of California are cheaper to reside than some in Nevada


Final Thoughts

 Las Vegas makes billions in the gaming industry. In 2018, the revenue was reported at $6.6 billion dollars. With money coming in such large amount from tourists it is hard to imagine this city of casinos having trouble during the financial crisis of 2008.

This is reflected in the number of low-income residents in the city. The city has a 16.2% poverty rate which is higher than the national average of 4%. It is not easy to survive in a city that is geared towards people willing to spend large amounts of money.

It still is a good place to move to, if you have the funds to get set up and the drive to keep going.

Tips

  • Surviving in any big city requires money and the knowledge of how to make long and short term investments that will keep you financially secure. Moving to a large city like Las Vegas can be detrimental to your finances if you are not prepared. You may consider speaking with a financial advisor before you plan to move there. There are people you can work with that can help you balance your finances before you move so you will be in a position to succeed there.
  • You may also move some of your money to one of the local banks because it will help you get a breakdown of what their banking system looks like and the costs associated with your move as well as any added surprise fees and taxes. It is also beneficial for your long term financial health to be invested in the community you will be joining. You are also likely to find strong interest rates and low fees because of your local status.
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