Is Las Vegas, NV cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Las Vegas, NV is 0.8% more expensive than Chicago, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Las Vegas, NV to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $150,749.306 in Las Vegas, NV to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Las Vegas, NV?

Housing in Las Vegas, NV is 7.6% more expensive than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,655/month in Las Vegas, NV compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Las Vegas, NV?

Chicago, IL and Las Vegas, NV have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Las Vegas, NV

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $62.44/month more in Las Vegas, NV

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.7K in Las Vegas, NV

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$62.44

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$749

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Las Vegas, NV

Population:656K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$377K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Las Vegas, NV

The Silver State

656K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital
•No state income tax
•Desert oasis

Major Industries

TourismEntertainmentTechnologyLogistics

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Las Vegas, NV

Category	Chicago, IL	Las Vegas, NV	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$3,300/mo	↑ $234more	7.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,544/mo	↓ $137less	8.1%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$632/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$508/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 7.6%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Las Vegas, NV

$3,300

Difference

$234

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.1%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Las Vegas, NV

$1,544

Difference

$137

less

📦Other

↑ 2.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Las Vegas, NV

$1,808

Difference

$50.22

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.3%

Chicago, IL

$595

Las Vegas, NV

$632

Difference

$37.17

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Chicago, IL

$519

Las Vegas, NV

$508

Difference

$10.93

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Las Vegas, NV

$1,039

Difference

$9.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,270

↓ $330

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,410

↓ $300

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,655

↓ $270

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,300

↓ $180

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Las Vegas, NVZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$2,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$8,831

Monthly in Las Vegas, NV

$184

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Las Vegas

$305K

Median Value

$377K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.3%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$265K - $712K

Homes in Las Vegas are 23% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Las Vegas

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Las Vegas, NV

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nevada State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Las Vegas, NV Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.