When you think of Las Vegas, you probably think of rolling the dice, playing the slot machines, and walking on The Strip with a drink in hand. Locals know, though, that this is a far cry from everything that Las Vegas has to offer. Check out our guide to moving to Las Vegas, complete with popular neighborhoods, cost of living information, and what to do when you arrive in your new city.
Cost of Living
Here is some information about the average cost of living to keep in mind before moving to Sin City.
- Rent: the average cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,000 and $1,200 for a 2-bedroom. These rates make Las Vegas a fairly reasonable place to rent considering its close proximity to the West Coast.
- Transportation: monthly transit passes will cost around $65 on average. We’ll go into more detail on transportation options later.
- Taxes: sales tax in Las Vegas is 8.38%.
Additional Costs
- Utilities: the average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment is around $173.
- Gas: Southwest Gas
- Electricity: Nevada Energy
- Garbage: Republic Services
- Water: Las Vegas Valley Water District
- Sewage: City of Las Vegas
- Internet: internet services range from $60-$120. Below are the largest providers in the Las Vegas area.
Weather
Las Vegas is a desert city, so get ready for the heat. Along with that, though, comes a lot of sunshine. Vegas averages over 300 sunny days annually. It also averages fewer than 20 days of precipitation per year. Summers are very hot, with average highs reaching 100+ degrees and lows dipping just below 40 degrees in winter months.
Las Vegas Neighborhoods
Of course, living in certain neighborhoods can alter your cost of living, so here are a few popular areas that Las Vegas residents like to call home.
- Downtown-18b Arts District: This neighborhood is lively and full of places of interest, including the Smith Center, chic bars, antique shops, and plenty of eateries along S. Las Vegas Blvd. Head to the 18b (18 block) Arts District in Downtown Vegas and hit up First Fridays, a monthly event that brings the community together.
- Spring Valley: Although a city all on its own, Spring Valley is a great area for singles, families, and anyone looking for an affordable apartment, townhouse, or condo for rent. Along with its smaller price tag compared to other neighborhoods, another perk of this hood is that Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is right in its backyard.
- Summerlin: This neighborhood is a master-planned community, meaning it’s a neighborhood comprised of smaller neighborhoods. You can find just about everything you need in Summerlin, including a hospital, golf courses, schools, restaurants, and shopping centers, making it one of Las Vegas’s best neighborhoods.
- Peccole Ranch: An upscale neighborhood, Peccole Ranch has a great tight-knit community vibe. With grocery stores, local shops, a public disc golf course, and ample walking trails, it’s also a perfect place for families.
Don’t Miss
When you live in Las Vegas, you’re within a short distance to some natural wonders. Check out the Grand Canyon National Park from a helicopter tour or see the Hoover Dam from an SUV tour. You can even take a river float down the Colorado River. And don’t forget about Red Rocks National Conservation Area; this place is a favorite for locals looking to hike or do some climbing. Ready to shop the day away? Head to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets and get a bargain on some quality, name-brand items. Pinball fanatics will definitely want to spend some time at the 10,000-square foot Pinball Hall of Fame; admission is free, but bring some quarters to play all your favorites.
Transportation
Las Vegas’s main form of public transit is the RTC, or the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. This bus system features more than 30 routes throughout the greater Las Vegas area. The Downtown Loop is another great way to get around town. This free shuttle service is offered throughout the week and weekend, but be sure to check the hours of operation. Even with both of these options, a car is still recommended for getting around this sprawling city.
How to Get to Las Vegas
From out of state, catch a flight into McCarran International Airport. You can hop on the RTC and catch a ride into the city, but you’ll probably want to grab a Lyft or a cab to reach your final destination. If you’re driving to Las Vegas, it’s conveniently located off of Interstate-15 and US 95.
Relocating to Las Vegas from Los Angeles
If you’re in Southern California, a move to Las Vegas won’t be too hard. In fact, it’s one of the most-searched relocation destinations by Angelenos since COVID-19 hit. Head east from the LA area and make your way to I-15 East. From there it can take just under 5 hours, depending on traffic and which part of SoCal you’re coming from, to get to Las Vegas.
Tips for Moving to Las Vegas
- Do: get out of the city and spend the day at Lake Mead Recreation Area. There’s plenty to do at this 1.5-million-acre park operated by the National Park Service.
- Don’t: overlook the Wine Cellar and Tasting Room at the Rio. This underground gem has an enormous collection of wines and serves up tastes of some of the most expensive wines you’ve ever had.
- Do: take a stroll through the Fremont East district, home of the Downtown Container Park. This shopping, dining, and entertainment destination is made completely from recycled shipping containers, and it’s one place you can’t miss.
- Don’t: miss the annual Life is Beautiful Festival. This 3-day event has become a staple in Vegas, bringing world-class comedians, artists, and musicians to the desert city every year.
- Do: take Las Vegas’s food scene seriously. Vegas is home to world-class chefs and their restaurants should not be overlooked, especially the restaurants where locals eat.
Look beyond the flashy lights and casinos and you’ll find the Las Vegas that locals know and love. Outdoor recreation, shopping, and festivals are just some of the perks of living in this city. There’s a lot to know about Las Vegas before your big move there, but once you’ve got it all down, you can search thousands of apartments on Zumper to find the right fit.
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