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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

4.6% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
1.8% 1.8% more expensive housing
5.7% 5.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Philadelphia
110
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries 5.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 7.1% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 9.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index1081034.6% less
Housing110112~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,35010.0% less
Median Home Price$280,000$380,00035.7% more
Groceries1061005.7% less
Transportation1121047.1% less
Healthcare105986.7% less
Utilities108989.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Las Vegas, NV
State Income Tax3.07%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

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

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Las Vegas646,790

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Las Vegas?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Nevada averages 0.48%.