13 Things to Know Before Moving to Las Vegas, NV

Thinking of moving to Las Vegas? Whether it’s the vibrant lifestyle, no state income tax, or growing job opportunities, there are many reasons people are choosing to call Vegas home. But before packing your bags, there are a few things to know. Keep these points in mind to make your move to Las Vegas smoother and more enjoyable.

Key Insights for Renters Moving to Las Vegas

• Las Vegas rent isn’t necessarily low, but it’s more affordable than cities like Miami or Los Angeles. Expect to pay around $1,095 for a one-bedroom or $1,328 for a two-bedroom.
• To qualify for most apartments using the 30% rule, you'll need an annual income of around $43,800 for a one-bedroom or $53,120 for a two-bedroom.
• Each neighborhood has its own unique flair: Downtown is exciting and walkable, Peccole Ranch offers suburban vibes, and Desert Shores is a laid-back lakeside community.
• While public transit exists in some neighborhoods, Las Vegas is mostly car-centric. Be prepared to drive unless you’re living and working on or near the Strip.

1. Is Las Vegas Just a Tourist Destination?

Not anymore. While 41.7 million people visit every year, Las Vegas has become a great place to live, not just visit. Locals enjoy the thriving job market, strong community vibes, and access to world-class amenities without ever setting foot on the Strip.

2. What Is the Cost of Living in Las Vegas?

Although Las Vegas has a lower cost of living than many major metros, it’s still 10.6% higher than the U.S. average. The estimated monthly costs are $1,169.10 for a single person without children and $4,098.60 for a family of four, excluding rent.

Currently, rent prices in Las Vegas are a median of $1,095 for a one-bedroom and $1,328 for a two-bedroom. For more information on rent prices in Las Vegas, check out our current listings.

3. What Is the Job Market Like?

Las Vegas employment is trending upward, adding 4,200 jobs (0.4%) since June and growing by 2,100 jobs (0.2%) compared to July 2024.

Also, Las Vegas is more than just hospitality and gaming. Healthcare, logistics, tech, and construction are rapidly growing. Companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Allegiant Airlines have boosted job opportunities outside traditional casinos.

4. Is It Hot All Year?

Generally, yes. Summer temperatures can even get as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit, making air conditioning nonnegotiable. The hottest season lasts for 3.4 months, from June 3 to September 16, with an average daily high temperature above 95 F. The hottest month of the year in Las Vegas is July, with an average high of 104 F and a low of 80 F.

The good news is winters are mild and sunny, with highs around 60 F, so there is no need to worry about shoveling snow.

5. Is Las Vegas Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. While Las Vegas is known for its nightlife, suburbs like Henderson, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills are desirable for families.

These areas offer low crime rates, abundant green space, and strong school systems. The Clark County School District is ranked No. 7 among the best school districts in Nevada, according to Niche.

6. What Are the Best Outdoor Activities?

There are many outdoor activities located right outside the city. Here are some of the best options for fun weekend getaways.

• Red Rock Canyon: With world-class hiking, climbing, and biking, it’s popular among climbers, photographers, cyclists, and hikers year-round.
• Lake Mead: Offers boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and fishing. As part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, it’s a top pick for water lovers and outdoor adventurers.
• Colorado River: Great for white water rafting, kayaking, and paddle tours, especially through the scenic Black Canyon.
• Mount Charleston: Enjoy pine forests, scenic picnic spots, and over 50 miles of hiking trails, including Mary Jane Falls and the South Loop Trail.

7. Is Las Vegas a Diverse City?

Yes, Las Vegas is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. According to Niche.com, it has an A+ diversity score. Hispanic residents make up about 33% of the population, and the city is also home to strong Asian and Black communities.

Many events in Las Vegas showcase cultural pride, including Chinese New Year in the Desert, Cinco de Mayo festivals, and the Sankofa African Heritage Festival.

Las Vegas neighborhoods each have their own unique vibe and character. If you’re moving to Las Vegas, it’s a great idea to explore and walk around different areas to get a true feel for them. Some of our favorite neighborhoods include:

• Downtown Las Vegas.
• Rancho Oakley.
• West Sahara.
• Desert Shores.
• John S. Park.

8. Is Las Vegas Safe?

Like any city, safety varies by neighborhood. Suburbs and gated communities tend to be safer, while some parts of downtown have higher crime rates.

The overall violent crime grade is about 4.604 per 1,000 residents, which is in line with many other major U.S. metro areas and slightly lower than some cities like Los Angeles (violent crime grade of 5.117 per 1,000 residents). It’s smart to do your research when choosing where to live. Safer neighborhoods to consider include Tule Springs (violent crime rate of just 2.162 per 1,000 residents) and Centennial Hills (2.901 per 1,000 residents).

9. How Many Parks Does Las Vegas Have?

There are 130 parks and facilities in Las Vegas. Sunset Park is one of the largest, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful lake where you can fish or rent paddle boats. Lorenzi Park offers a peaceful retreat with playgrounds, picnic spots, and a serene pond.

For a more natural experience, Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring historic ranch buildings.

10. Is Las Vegas Easy to Get Around Without a Car?

Driving is the most logical way to get around Las Vegas. In fact, nearly 95% of residents commute by car.

However, Walk Score highlights a few neighborhoods where going car-free is doable. Downtown Las Vegas (walk score 75) and John S. Park (walk score 78) have Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada bus routes and bike lanes, providing easy access to the Arts District and Downtown amenities.

11. How Is Traffic in Las Vegas?

Traffic in Las Vegas can get heavy during rush hours, especially on Interstate 15, the 215 Beltway, and Summerlin Parkway. Planning commutes during off-peak hours and living near work can help cut down time spent on the road.

Still, Las Vegas commute times are shorter than in many large cities. The average one-way commute is about 25.6 minutes, ranked second-easiest in the nation.

12. What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Las Vegas?

There are many advantages of living in Las Vegas, including the low taxes, affordable housing, growing economy, and active lifestyle.

Some cons include high heat in the summer, limited walkability, hit-or-miss public schools, and tourist traffic during large events.

13. How Are the Taxes in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas’ combined sales tax rate is 8.375%, which includes state and county sales taxes.

There is no state income tax, which can be a major benefit for Las Vegas residents. This sets Las Vegas apart from nearby states like California (with income tax rates up to 12.300%) and Arizona (up to 2.500%), where a large chunk of your earnings can go to the state government.

Ultimately, the lack of state income tax in Las Vegas means residents get to keep more of their paycheck.

Finding Your Las Vegas Apartment

Ready to make your move? Whether you're drawn to the peaceful vibes of Peccole Ranch or the exciting nightlife of Downtown Las Vegas, Apartment List can also help you discover the perfect neighborhood and rental to match your lifestyle.

Start your Las Vegas rental search today. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.