Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Las Vegas, NV

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Las Vegas, NV

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

0.0% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
5.1% 5.1% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.1% cheaper
Austin
118
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Austin
96
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 6.1% more
Austin
98
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index103103~Same
Housing1181125.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$425,000$380,00010.6% less
Groceries961004.2% more
Transportation981046.1% more
Healthcare9798~Same
Utilities9998~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Las Vegas, NV
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Las Vegas, NV
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Las Vegas costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Las Vegas to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Austin979,882
Las Vegas646,790

Moving from Austin to Las Vegas?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Las Vegas → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Las Vegas →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Las Vegas vs Portland → Las Vegas vs Phoenix → Las Vegas vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?+
Las Vegas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Las Vegas?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Nevada has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.85%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $62,000 in Las Vegas. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Nevada averages 0.48%.