Median rent is 33% lower in Las Vegas ($1,563/mo vs $2,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Las Vegas, where the median home runs $427,900 versus $895,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $73,877 a year). Taken together, Las Vegas is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 109.5 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Las Vegas is 10% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 98.3 in Las Vegas vs 109.5 in Arlington (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Las Vegas, NV
How much would you need to earn in Las Vegas, NV to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Las Vegas, NV
$67,293
You could earn $7,707 less (10% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
Las Vegas
Nevada
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Las Vegas — median rent of $1,563/mo versus $2,322/mo in Arlington, a 33% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $895,000 versus $427,900 in Las Vegas — 52% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Las Vegas
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 36.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.3 vs 109.5).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,114/yr).
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,563/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Las Vegas.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Las Vegas?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,563/mo in Las Vegas, NV. Las Vegas, NV has the lower rent by about 33%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Las Vegas?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $73,877 in Las Vegas, NV. Arlington, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Arlington, VA has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 36.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Las Vegas?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Las Vegas to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $89,724 in Las Vegas, NV (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
