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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

16.9% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
28.2% 28.2% cheaper housing
7.4% 7.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.2% cheaper
Seattle
156
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries 7.4% cheaper
Seattle
108
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 11.9% cheaper
Seattle
118
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 10.9% cheaper
Seattle
110
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 7.7% more
Seattle
91
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index12410316.9% less
Housing15611228.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,35034.1% less
Median Home Price$780,000$380,00051.3% less
Groceries1081007.4% less
Transportation11810411.9% less
Healthcare1109810.9% less
Utilities91987.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Las Vegas, NV
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Las Vegas646,790

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle 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 28.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Las Vegas?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $400,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Nevada averages 0.48%.