Your Renter’s Roadmap: Understanding the Cost of Living in Las Vegas

Relocating to a new city can feel overwhelming if you’re trying to figure out how your income will stretch in an unfamiliar place. Therefore, when it comes to making a smooth transition, one of the smartest things any renter can do is to understand the cost of living before signing a lease. That’s especially true when looking at popular cities, like Las Vegas.

If you’re thinking about renting an apartment in Las Vegas, you’ve probably already asked yourself: What is the cost of living in Las Vegas? From housing and health care to groceries and entertainment, we’ll show you how the average cost of living in Las Vegas stacks up against the Nevada and national averages so you can make an informed decision.

What is the average cost of living in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is more than just a world-famous tourist destination. It’s also an exciting place to live with a wide range of rental options for people from all walks of life. If you’re a renter considering a move to this energetic desert city, you’ll want to know what you can expect in terms of everyday expenses. Of course, the cost of living in Las Vegas includes more than just rent — think utilities, food, transportation and more.

The cost of living in the area shows a mix of highs and lows across different categories. For example, utilities are significantly more expensive, running 6% above the Nevada average and 14% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, food costs are in line with the state average, but still about 4% higher than the U.S. average. And, while transportation is slightly cheaper than the state average by 2%, it’s still 15% more costly than the national norm. On the other hand, health care offers some relief, coming in at 4% below the Nevada average and 15% below the national average. Similarly, goods and services are 1% cheaper than the state average and 15% less than the national figure. And, while categories like housing and utilities may stretch the budget, more affordable health care and everyday services help balance out overall expenses.

Breaking down the cost of living in Las Vegas

When you’re planning a move or trying to budget for life in Las Vegas, breaking down the cost of living is a smart first step. While big-picture comparisons to state or national averages offer a helpful overview, they don’t always reflect what you’ll actually spend day to day. So, for renters especially, it’s important to take a closer look at the key spending categories — like housing, utilities, groceries, health care, transportation and everyday services — to get a realistic sense of how far your money will go.

Here’s what you need to know about the average costs that shape daily life in Las Vegas.

Housing (renting and buying):

• Average monthly rent: $1,468
• Average home price: $554,723
• Mortgage rate: 6.7%

Utilities:

• Energy bill: $254.96 per month
• Phone bill: $188.64 per month

Food:

• Milk (1 gallon): $4.78
• Eggs (dozen): $3.08
• Bread: $4.24
• Potatoes: $4.66
• Cheese: $4.57
• Ground beef: $6.99

Healthcare:

• Doctor’s visit: $110.44
• Dentist: $99.25
• Optometrist: $100.78

Transportation:

• Gallon of gas: $4.13
• Tire-balancing: $57.47

Goods & services:

• Men’s shirt: $25.05
• Women’s slacks: $29.87
• Boy’s jeans: $19.19
• Haircut: $15.42
• Beauty salon: $48.86
• Dry cleaning: $17.89
• Movie ticket: $12.69

Reviewing these numbers can give you a more realistic idea of how your budget might need to adjust in Las Vegas.

Is Las Vegas a good choice for renters?

If you’re weighing your options, comparing the cost of living in Las Vegas to other cities might reveal a surprising value. Although housing and utilities can be a bit more expensive than the national average, other essentials — like health care and everyday services — help balance things out.

In fact, the average cost of living in Las Vegas is slightly lower than both the Nevada average and the U.S. average. As such, renters moving to Las Vegas will find a city with diverse housing options, a relatively moderate cost structure and the kind of lifestyle amenities that make day-to-day living enjoyable.

Or, if you’re interested about the cost of living in other cities, check out our guides for Jacksonville, FL; Miami; and Fort Lauderdale, FL.