Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Las Vegas, NV

Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

8.0% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
15.2% 15.2% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 15.2% cheaper
Denver
132
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Denver
101
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Denver
105
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% cheaper
Denver
104
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 2.1% more
Denver
96
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index1121038.0% less
Housing13211215.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,35016.7% less
Median Home Price$540,000$380,00029.6% less
Groceries101100~Same
Transportation105104~Same
Healthcare104985.8% less
Utilities96982.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Las Vegas, NV
State Income Tax4.40%None (0%)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Denver713,252
Las Vegas646,790

Moving from Denver to Las Vegas?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 15.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Las Vegas?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Nevada averages 0.48%.