Cost of Living in Las Vegas

There’s much more to Las Vegas than bright neon lights, fancy hotels, and slot machines. You’ll find various amenities, sprawling suburban and urban areas, and easy access to a multitude of things to see and do, including the beautiful nature you can find right outside your door. With over 600,000 permanent residents, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to this affordable city. If you’re contemplating a move, consider the cost of living in Las Vegas before you pack your bags.

Las Vegas cost of living at a glance

• The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas is $1,280 per month.
• The average cost of utilities in Las Vegas is $191.60 per month for a 915-square-foot apartment.
• The average annual salary in Las Vegas is $66,037 per year.
• The cost of living in Las Vegas is 30.2% lower than in Los Angeles, California.

The cost of living in Las Vegas is affordable compared to other states and cities. The Last Vegas cost of living is much cheaper than the cost of living in nearby Los Angeles, California.

The cost of living for a particular area can vary based on your career, your average salary, and the local real estate market. Las Vegas is quite affordable compared to other parts of the country, especially major cities with over a million residents. The overall cost of living for Las Vegas is about 4% higher than the national cost of living.

Wondering if Las Vegas is in your budget? Here’s what you should consider: 

• Housing costs
• Transportation costs
• Utilities
• Food costs
• Healthcare
• Entertainment
• Other expenses
• Salary and job market

Las Vegas housing costs

Living in Sin City doesn’t have to feel like you’ve sinned against your wallet. The average cost of living in Las Vegas is slightly higher than the national average but low compared to other major U.S. cities.

You can expect to pay the following for housing costs in Las Vegas:

• Current cost of a studio apartment in Las Vegas: $1,100 per month
• Current cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas: $1,280 per month
• Current cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas: $1,595 per month

When you’re ready to start apartment hunting, check out the various resources online, such as Zumper, and filter by your current price range. This filter will help you see only those available within the budget you’ve set for yourself for monthly rent.

Las Vegas transportation costs

Las Vegas has an effective public transportation system provided by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), where you can purchase hourly tickets or packages of days. A three-day RTC pass costs $20. Options such as Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available in addition to public transportation. If you choose to drive in Las Vegas, and many people do, you can expect to pay an average of $1,440 per year for minimum auto insurance coverage.

Las Vegas utilities

The average monthly utility cost in Las Vegas is approximately $191.60 for a 915-square-foot apartment covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. You can expect to pay around $86 for 60 Mbps internet speeds, enough for you or your family to enjoy streaming, gaming, and plenty of time on social media. Your phone bill may cost around $160, depending on your device and your chosen services.

Las Vegas food costs

One person’s average monthly grocery bill is 9% higher than the national average. An average inexpensive meal in Las Vegas will cost approximately $16 for one person. A fast-food meal in Las Vegas will cost you roughly $8 per person. Many restaurants in Vegas exist for all price points, and you’ll have plenty of inexpensive and fine dining options.

Las Vegas health care costs

The average health care premium in Las Vegas is $1,235 per year for an employer-sponsored health plan after the employer’s contribution. Some popular health insurance providers available in Las Vegas include:

• Anthem
• UnitedHealthcare
• Health Plan of Nevada
• BlueCross BlueShield

Las Vegas entertainment costs

Las Vegas offers a fantastic selection of shows, entertainment, and casinos. Some popular entertainment destinations in Las Vegas include:

• Madame Tussauds Las Vegas: Tickets start at $44 per person.
• Las Vegas Mob Museum: Tickets start at $44 per person.
• High Roller: Tickets start at $23.50 per person.
• Hoover Dam: Tickets start at $30 per person.

There are also many things to see for free just walking around the city, like the 30 art murals in the downtown area, Downtown Container Park, and the Fremont Street Experience, where you can see bands and the fantastic overhead light show.

Other expenses to consider when living in Las Vegas

Aside from your living costs, you’ll also need to factor in your everyday expenses. These items include food purchases, dining out, entertainment, and clothing or personal care. We’ve listed some of these items below to help you get a better idea:

• Convenience store items: A pack of cigarettes will put you out almost $9, and a bottle of mid-range wine may cost you approximately $12.50.
• Child care and schooling: If you plan to send your child to private school, you can expect to pay around $12,500 per year. Child care or daycare for one child will cost you $900-$1,000 a month.
• Workout facilities: A gym membership won’t cost much, less than $30 per month for a single person.
• Taxes: The combined state and local sales tax rate in Las Vegas is 8.23%, with 6.85% of that Nevada state tax and 1.53% local sales tax.

Average salary in Las Vegas

Finding somewhere affordable to live and living a comfortable lifestyle in Las Vegas can be easy if you do the proper research. Study the parts of the city and write a list of your requirements, like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor space, parking, and utilities that will influence your decision. Be persistent in your search, and you can find a Las Vegas apartment that fits your needs.

The average salary in Las Vegas is $66,037 per year. Many residents work in the tourist industry; the largest employers include MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Johnson Electric.

FAQ: Las Vegas cost of living

Finding somewhere affordable to live and living a comfortable lifestyle in Las Vegas can be easy if you do the proper research. Study the parts of the city and write a list of your requirements, like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor space, parking, and utilities that will influence your decision. Be persistent in your search, and you can find a Las Vegas apartment that fits your needs.