Median rent is 18% lower in Las Vegas ($1,456/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Las Vegas, where the median home runs $395,300 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $70,723 a year). Taken together, Las Vegas is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 113.0 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Las Vegas, NV.
Quick verdict
Las Vegas is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Las Vegas vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Las Vegas, NV
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Las Vegas, NV?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$87,830
You'd need $12,830 more (17% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Las Vegas
Nevada
New York
New York
👥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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Las Vegas at $1,456/mo compared to $1,779/mo in New York (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $395,300 in Las Vegas — 47% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Nevada has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Las Vegas a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.85% in Nevada and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Las Vegas
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.85%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Las Vegas has cleaner air on average: 23.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.5 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,456/mo median).
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 23.0).
Is Las Vegas cheaper than New York?
Las Vegas is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Las Vegas.
How much is rent in Las Vegas vs New York?
Median rent is $1,456/mo in Las Vegas, NV and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Las Vegas, NV has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Las Vegas or New York?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas, NV and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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?
Las Vegas, NV has better air quality on average: 23.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Las Vegas or New York?
Nevada has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Las Vegas income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Las Vegas, NV is equivalent to roughly $117,107 in New York, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology