Las Vegas Apartments Guide + Renter Tips for 2022

Whether you want to grow a career in tourism or take advantage of 24/7 nightlife, you'll find it in Las Vegas. Sure, there's the party atmosphere, a sea of casinos, and endless dining options, but the city also has natural wonders just minutes away.

Arts and culture lovers will also find a growing scene from museums to galleries. It’s easy to see why Las Vegas is quickly growing and attracting newcomers to its warm climate and relatively reasonable rents.

Time and resources are limited when planning your new life in Las Vegas, so we researched how to find an apartment for you! Here's everything you need to know about Las Vegas, from neighborhoods to budget and more.

How to Find the Best Las Vegas Neighborhood

When you move to Las Vegas, you can live in the middle of the action along The Strip or settle into the city's outskirts for a quieter lifestyle. You don't have to compromise on access to city life and all the amenities you want wherever you live.

Las Vegas' rents are less expensive than areas like Los Angeles, but you still have top-notch entertainment and nightlife at your doorstep. Vegas is also an attractive option to college students attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas and young professionals working in tourism, gaming, and entertainment.

From dazzling high-rise apartments to suburban single-family homes for rent, Vegas offers various options to suit your lifestyle. Start by choosing the best Las Vegas neighborhoods and amenities on your wishlist.

1. Downtown Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas oozes revitalization and energy, from high-rise apartments to modern amenities. The neighborhood is a place to live for walking to work, enjoying the nightlife, and shopping in areas like the nearby Container Park is trending with revitalized energy and restoration.

2. Arts District

Las Vegas boasts its own Arts District within a cozy, one-square-mile neighborhood. Once an industrial center, the Arts District is home to pubs, dining, and entertainment options. In addition, you'll find a handful of showrooms and independent theaters like the Cockroach Theater Company and Art Square.

3. Rancho Oakey

Rancho Oakey is minutes from The Strip and boasts museums, restaurants, and nightlife options. It's the perfect place to settle if you want to live near Downtown without living in the middle of the bright lights. You're also not far from Springs Preserve, featuring 180-acres of botanical gardens and museums.

4. Peccole Ranch

Peccole Ranch offers a reprieve from city living without straying too far. The community is popular with young professionals who want a short commute with a laid-back lifestyle. You'll still find modern apartments with swimming pools and on-site parking, but with budget-friendly rents than Downtown Las Vegas and the surrounding area.

5. The Section Seven

The residential neighborhood of Section Seven welcomes a mix of residents looking for proximity to city living. As a result, you'll find plenty of single-family residences and apartments close to favorite local restaurants like Apache Taco Shop and Aly.

You’ll also discover affordable apartments in The Section Seven area, complete with modern amenities. This neighborhood captures urban living at its best.

6. Summerlin

The upscale community of Summerlin features a suburban backdrop with a 400-acre shopping center and a collection of big-box retailers and restaurants. The neighborhood draws young professionals and growing families looking to put down roots.

7. Henderson

Henderson consistently ranks as one of Nevada's best places to live. As a self-contained city, you can work, play, and relax in Henderson or commute to Las Vegas. The community also appeals to outdoor enthusiasts enjoying over 80 miles of trails and mountain views.

8. Boulder City

If you can't take the heat, Boulder City is about 20 degrees cooler than Las Vegas, and features lush greenery. As a federally planned neighborhood, Boulder City was initially built to house Hoover Dam builders and is also eco-friendly.

How Much are Apartments in Las Vegas

Ready to make a move to Las Vegas? Before packing up your boxes, learn about the average rent prices in the area to determine your spending power.

Average Rent in Las Vegas

• The average rent for a Las Vegas studio apartment is $1,269
• The average rent for a Las Vegas one-bedroom apartment is $1,575
• The average rent for a Las Vegas two-bedroom apartment is $1,851
• The average rent for a Las Vegas three-bedroom apartment is $2,267

Compared to last month, Nashville rents have increased by .7% and are up by 19.2% compared to the previous year. Here's more information to help you determine your budget:

• 1% of apartments in Las Vegas cost less than $1,000 per month.
• 69% of apartments in Las Vegas cost between $1,000-$1,999 per month.
• 26% of apartments in Las Vegas cost between $2,000-$2,999 per month.
• 4% of apartments in Las Vegas cost over $3,000 per month.

How to Find Cheap Apartments in Las Vegas

Figuring out how to find an apartment in Las Vegas is straight-froward, but you'll need to dig into your research to find a cheap apartment. Apartment List makes it easy to search for places based on your budget, desired amenities, neighborhoods, and more.

But first, you need to set a budget for your first apartment. There's plenty to account for beyond rent, but here are the essential items for your budget:

• Rent
• Heating and gas
• Electricity and any other utilities
• Moving costs
• Cable/internet
• Apartment application fees
• Security deposit

It's normal to stress over finances, but remember you’re in control and can focus on solutions to reduce costs. For starters, you can seek out a roommate or scour move-in specials. You can also wait until slower rental periods, which usually fall in January and the winter months.

What's the Best Time to Find an Apartment in Las Vegas?

Take advantage of the rental market's seasonality around Las Vegas to find potential bargains. Seasonality impacts rent prices nationwide. People aren't as interested in moving during the winter months. Between the stress of the holidays and cooling weather, renters aren't motivated to make a big move. As a result, you’ll typically find more apartments available during the winter.

The most popular time for moving is during the summer. Rentals are typically more expensive and competitive. Of course, there are some exceptions. If you're looking in a wildly popular neighborhood or a tight rental market, you probably won’t see much difference in prices or competition.

No matter what time of year you start apartment hunting in Las Vegas, come prepared to sign a lease. Have a government-issued ID, proof of income, bank statements, and references to provide a potential landlord. Being over-prepared could mean the difference between signing a lease for your dream apartment or missing out on other renters.

How to Find an Apartment in Las Vegas?

Ready to get started? Brush up on the step-by-step process for finding an apartment in Las Vegas.

Determine Your Budget

One of the most critical parts of finding your ideal Las Vegas apartment is figuring out your monthly budget. We recommend using the 30% rule as a baseline calculation. The rule stipulates that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross income on your rent. Gross income is the same as your pre-taxed, monthly take-home pay.

An easy way to figure this out is to divide your gross annual salary by 40. So, for example, if you're looking for a one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas with an average rent price of $1,575, your yearly income should be about $63,000 or $5,250 per month to live comfortably.

Understand the Trust Cost of Renting

Note that the 30% rule does not account for the hidden costs of renting, ongoing student loans, or other outstanding debt. If you're wondering how much apartment rent you can afford, get familiar with all of the hidden apartment expenses, including:

• Apartment application fees
• Moving costs
• Security deposit
• Pet deposit
• Move-in fees

Our Rent Calculator also makes it easy to figure out some of those hidden costs and what your budget should look like. We put this tool together with renters like you in mind to better understand your rental budget and what your lifestyle will cost.

Set Your Apartment Priorities

Las Vegas offers a range of spectacular apartment options. You can narrow your search based on your budget and priorities, including the specific amenities on your wish list.

Amenities

Make an amenities wishlist and rate them according to their importance. For example, covered parking may not be that important if you live near work or public transportation. You may also decide you can forgo a modern apartment gym if there's a large pool with plenty of room to swim on the weekend.

Las Vegas Location/Neighborhood

Your budget and lifestyle will largely determine which Las Vegas neighborhood you choose. After all, living steps from the bustling Strip may be perfect for one renter and a nightmare for another. Fortunately, you can find what you're looking for, whether around-the-clock nightlife or a quieter, suburban lifestyle, at a lower price.

You'll likely find a modern condo packed with amenities within the city limits of Las Vegas.

Although the city is dog-friendly, you'll find more square footage and potential outdoor space a ten to thirty-minute commute from the metro area.

Consider Your Commute Time

Like any big city, Las Vegas contends with tons of traffic. Before signing a lease, make sure you consider your commute time, including walking to public transportation and reasonable delays on the bus. If you're driving, look at commute times throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening to get an idea of what to expect. Las Vegas is so busy at night that you may find more traffic than expected.

Las Vegas' walk score is 42, making it the 29th most walkable large city in the country. For more context on what to expect in Las Vegas, the bike score is 46, and the transit score is 36.

While these scores aren't great, they work if you live Downtown or in surrounding neighborhoods. Regardless of where you live, you'll need a car to make the most of the city and the rest of Nevada. Otherwise, you need a healthy Lyft and Uber budget and some flexibility to rent a car to get out for a day trip.

Public Transportation in Las Vegas

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) runs Las Vegas’ transportation. Fares run $6 for a single, 2-hour pass or $20 for a 3-day pass. Unfortunately, the city's public transportation isn't known as being robust and frequently ranks among the worst for metropolitan areas. Nevertheless, you'll find buses and a few express lines.

A basic rail system also runs along Las Vegas Boulevard, known as The Strip, until the wee hours of the morning. Although tourists frequent the train to make the most of casino hopping, locals who live in the area make the most of it.

Prepare for Apartment Tours

It's challenging to get the whole experience of an apartment complex and a unit before you take a tour. Bring along the listing description and ensure all of the amenities and details of the apartment are represented accurately.

Don't let anyone rush you through the process; ask questions, and point out any damage in the apartment. Before signing a lease, the landlord or property manager should note any damage, like stains on the carpet. Otherwise, you could be liable for the damage. The tour is also a good time to ask about any rules, like what colors you can paint the walls or if you are allowed to have a dog if you suddenly decide to adopt one.

Check out our list of 20 questions to ask when renting an apartment to get an idea of what you should be asking the property manager during your apartment tour.

Applying for Your Las Vegas Apartment

It's also wise to understand how the application process works before scheduling an apartment tour. Then, once the tour is over, you'll feel confident about making a decision and what to expect next.

Beyond proof of income and a government-issued ID, it's also helpful to bring additional items, such as rental references, that may be required during the application process.

Most landlords will ask to see references from your previous landlords. If you don't have a rental history and are a first-time renter, you can still make their request work. Instead, ask a manager, supervisor, or volunteer coordinator for a reference letter about your reliability and work ethic.

In some situations, a landlord may decide secondary references aren't enough. Instead, they may require a guarantor to sign the lease with you. Guarantors are usually parents or family members that legally guarantee to pay your rent if you fail to pay it. However, guarantors will also need to go through a credit check.

Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

No matter where you move, rental scams are on the rise. A rental fraud report by Apartment List found that 43.1% of renters in the country have encountered an apartment listing they have suspected was fraudulent. Unfortunately, 6.4% of these renters incurred a financial loss from at least one rental scam. Stay proactive and protect yourself by following these tips for avoiding rental scams.

Using Apartment List to Find Your Las Vegas Apartment

We know apartment hunting can get stressful, but we're here to make the process as easy as possible.

Get started answering a few simple questions to find your ideal apartment. We'll use your information to help match you to apartments based on your specified criteria from your responses. Then, we mix and match your personalized results to discover places with the perfect combination of price, location, and amenities.