Moving to Nevada? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Nevada is a southwestern state in the United States, flanked by Oregon, Idaho, California and Arizona. It is most known for its vibrant nightlife scene, notably Las Vegas, which is famous for its casinos and entertainment. In contrast to this, the state offers diverse landscapes, including the Mojave Desert, as well as mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada.

If you are considering moving to Nevada, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Nevada Facts:

1. Population: 3.144 million (2021)
2. Official Language: English
3. GDP Per Capita: $62,000 (2022)
4. Random Fact: Nevada is the largest gold-producing state in the U.S., being responsible for around 75% of the entire country’s production.
5. Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68 

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Nevada

Here are the average moving costs to Nevada from other US states.

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$2,000 – $4,000
Texas	$2,800 – $4,800
Florida	$3,500 – $5,500
New York	$3,800 – $6,000
Pennsylvania	$3,400 – $5,400
Illinois	$3,000 – $5,000
Ohio	$2,900 – $4,900
Georgia	$3,200 – $5,200
North Carolina	$3,100 – $5,100
Michigan	$3,000 – $5,000

Also see: Top International Moving Companies in Nevada

2. Nevada Housing Costs

The rental and house purchase prices in Nevada, particularly in urban areas like Las Vegas, can vary significantly between uptown and downtown, with uptown commanding costs in excess of $1,000,000.

Monthly Rental Prices in Nevada:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,250+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,000+ 
• 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $1,950+
• 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,350+ 

Nevada Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $2,150+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $1,600+

Nevada Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Nevada compare with other cities around the globe.

• London is 47.3% more expensive 
• New York is 63.3% more expensive 
• Los Angeles is 48.5% more expensive 
• Toronto is 25.7% more expensive 
• Sydney is 38.1% more expensive 
• Paris is 11.2% more expensive 
• Dubai is 26.4% more expensive 

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

• Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom and Kangaroom.
• Different Areas – Different Prices: As we’ve already covered, uptown areas such as Summerlin – a planned community in Las Vegas – and The Ridges, another affluent neighbourhood, command higher costs than downtown areas, making places like midtown Reno, a vibrant and revitalized area in Reno, and Wells Avenue District less expensive.
  

3. Nevada Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Nevada, particularly in cities like Las Vegas, embraces a diverse and dynamic food and drink scene with a focus on innovation and culinary experiences. When it comes to famous foods, Nevada is known for its buffets and all-you-can-eat dining experiences, where you can indulge in a variety of cuisines and specialities.

• Inexpensive Restaurant: $35.00
•  Takeout Coffee: $3.75
•  Bottle of Coke: $2.20
•  1L of Milk: $1.30
•  Loaf of Bread: $1.80
•  12 Eggs: $7.00
•  1kg Chicken: $6.60
•  1kg Beef: $17.50
•  1kg Apples: $2.20
•  1kg White Rice: $4.40

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

• London restaurants are 13.1% cheaper and groceries are 7.2% cheaper than Nevada.
• New York restaurants are 8.3% cheaper and groceries are 36% more expensive than Nevada.
• Los Angeles restaurants are 13.2% cheaper and groceries are 20.1% more expensive than Nevada.
• Toronto restaurants are 45.5% more expensive and groceries are 7.2% more expensive than Nevada. 
• Sydney restaurants are 38.8% more expensive and groceries are 18.2% more expensive than Nevada. 
• Paris restaurants are 52.3% more expensive and groceries are 15.9% more expensive than Nevada. 
• Dubai restaurants are 55% cheaper and groceries are 29.6% cheaper than Nevada. 

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

• Know Your Supermarkets: Nevada hosts farmers’ markets that sell fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal products, and a vibrant community atmosphere. These markets offer a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, homemade goods, and unique culinary finds. There are also chain supermarkets and discount stores to give you convenient items at reasonable prices.
• Find Cheap Eats: Nevada has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Nevada Alcohol Costs

Nevada, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $10.00
• Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $14.00
• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.00
• Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $1.65
• Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $9.90

How To Drink For Less in Nevada:

• Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
• Take a look at Trip Advisor.

5. Nevada Transportation Fares

In urban areas like Las Vegas and Reno, public transport is primarily served by buses. These bus networks offer extensive routes, connecting major destinations, hotels, and attractions, making it possible to navigate the cities without a private vehicle. Some other areas may have limited light rail or tram services, but these vary from place to place.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

• Adult single – $5.00
• One-day ticket – $7.50
• Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $30.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

• Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. 
• Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Nevada

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

• Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
• AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
• Verizon: $80 a month 

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average temperature in Nevada varies depending on the region but generally ranges from around 10 to 16 degrees Celsius. The coldest month tends to be January, with temperatures dropping below freezing in many areas, while July typically experiences the hottest temperatures, with average highs reaching 38 degrees Celsius. In some regions, such as Reno and Las Vegas, yearly precipitation is relatively low throughout, with the wettest months often during the winter and early spring.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

• Pair of Jeans: $48.00
• Summer Dress: $30.00
• Running Shoes (Trainers): $105.00
• Business Shoes: $104.50
• Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
• Deodorant: $4.50
• Shampoo: $4.00
• Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
• Gym Membership: $30.00
• Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Nevada

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Nevada. If you’re moving to Nevada from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here. 

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Nevada:

• Volkswagen Golf: $21,500+
• 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $1.28

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Nevada:

• Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
• Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Nevada

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The statewide sales tax rate is 6.85%. However, local governments have the authority to impose additional sales taxes, which can range from 1.25% to 2.6%. 

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Nevada at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Nevada you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.  

10. Flight Costs from Nevada

If you do make the move to Nevada, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

• London: $500
• New York: $110
• Los Angeles: $40
• Toronto: $75
• Vancouver: $90
• Dubai: $700
• Sydney: $655
• Melbourne: $775
• Cape Town: $1,110
• Hong Kong: $850

Other Tips on Moving to Nevada:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Nevada but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Nevada Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Nevada.

• Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
• Attend Local Events: Nevada always has something going on. Have a look at Travel Nevada.

12. Moving to Nevada with a Family

Cities like Las Vegas and Reno provide family-oriented amenities such as parks, schools, and family-friendly entertainment options. However, it’s important to note that Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, has a reputation for its vibrant nightlife and adult-oriented entertainment, which may not be suitable for all families. The state as a whole has a higher crime rate compared to the national average.

• New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Nevada 211.
• Live in a Family-friendly Area: As we have already mentioned, Las Vegas is focused on adult entertainment and might not be the best choice for bringing up a family. However, areas such as Henderson, a suburb of Las Vegas, are often recognised for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and recreational opportunities.
• Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Nevada. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Nevada for Work

While it is possible to move to Nevada without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Nevada’s main industries include tourism and hospitality, driven by the vibrant entertainment and gaming sector, as well as mining and renewable energy, and the unemployment rate in 2021 was 7.7%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

• Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
• How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Nevada, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Nevada from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Nevada, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

• Size Comparison: The state of Victoria in Australia is slightly smaller than that of Nevada.
• Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Nevada that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Nevada from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Nevada. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

• Size: The province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada is similar to that of Nevada.
• Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process.  Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Nevada from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Nevada. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

• Size: The combined size of England, Wales and Scotland is around 10,000 square miles smaller than Nevada.
• Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Nevada, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Nevada you can start by comparing moving quotes here.

Other Useful Guides to the United States

• Best International Moving Companies in Nevada
• How Much Does It Cost To Hire Movers? 2024 US Savings Guide
• Moving to Las Vegas? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
• Moving to the United States? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
• 13 Best Places To Live In The United States
• 21 Secrets About Living In the US To Know Before Moving