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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

24.3% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
37.1% 37.1% cheaper housing
9.1% 9.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries 9.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 16.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 6.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index13610324.3% less
Housing17811237.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,35046.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$380,00056.8% less
Groceries1101009.1% less
Transportation12510416.8% less
Healthcare1129812.5% less
Utilities105986.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Las Vegas, NV
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Las Vegas646,790

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles 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 37.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Las Vegas?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $500,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Nevada averages 0.48%.