Median rent is 32% lower in Las Vegas ($1,563/mo vs $2,313/mo). Buying is cheaper in Las Vegas, where the median home runs $427,900 versus $906,700. Households earn more in San Diego ($108,077 vs $73,877 a year). Taken together, Las Vegas is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 110.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Diego, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Las Vegas is 11% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 98.3 in Las Vegas vs 110.7 in San Diego (US national average = 100)
City A
Las Vegas, NV
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Las Vegas, NV?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$84,504
You'd need $9,504 more (13% higher).
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
Las Vegas
Nevada
San Diego
California
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 $2,313/mo in San Diego, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $906,700 versus $427,900 in Las Vegas — 53% 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.
Las Vegas
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Las Vegas has cleaner air on average: 36.0 AQI (Good) compared to 59.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.3 vs 110.7).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,077/yr).
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,563/mo median).
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 36.0).
Is Las Vegas cheaper than San Diego?
Las Vegas is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Las Vegas.
How much is rent in Las Vegas vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,563/mo in Las Vegas, NV and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. Las Vegas, NV has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Las Vegas or San Diego?
Median household income is $73,877 in Las Vegas, NV and $108,077 in San Diego, CA. San Diego, CA 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: 36.0 AQI versus 59.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Las Vegas or San Diego?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Diego 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 $112,672 in San Diego, CA (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
