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Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Sacramento, CA

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

14.6% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
26.8% 26.8% more expensive housing
4.0% 4.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.8% more
Las Vegas
112
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 4.0% more
Las Vegas
100
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 7.7% more
Las Vegas
104
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 10.2% more
Las Vegas
98
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Las Vegas
98
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Las Vegas, NV Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10311814.6% more
Housing11214226.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$380,000$450,00018.4% more
Groceries1001044.0% more
Transportation1041127.7% more
Healthcare9810810.2% more
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Las Vegas, NV Sacramento, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.85%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.48%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Las Vegas, NV
$62,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Las Vegas (103) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Las Vegas5.2%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Las Vegas3.0%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Las Vegas25 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Las Vegas41
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Las Vegas52
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Las Vegas68°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Las Vegas646,790
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Las Vegas or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Las Vegas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Las Vegas vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Las Vegas and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Las Vegas or Sacramento?+
Nevada has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.85%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Las Vegas to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Las Vegas is $62,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Las Vegas vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Las Vegas is $380,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Nevada averages 0.48% while California averages 0.71%.