Is Las Vegas, NV cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Las Vegas, NV is 24.3% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $1823 per month.

What salary do I need in Las Vegas, NV to live like I do in San Diego, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $128,125 in Las Vegas, NV to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Diego, CA and Las Vegas, NV?

Housing in Las Vegas, NV is 36.8% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,655/month in Las Vegas, NV compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Diego, CA to Las Vegas, NV?

Moving from San Diego, CA to Las Vegas, NV could save you approximately $1823 per month, or $21875 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Las Vegas, NV

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Las Vegas, NV

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.1K in Las Vegas, NV

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,823

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.9K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Las Vegas, NV

Population:656K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$377K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Las Vegas, NV

Category	San Diego, CA	Las Vegas, NV	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$3,300/mo	↓ $1,923less	36.8%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$508/mo	↓ $126less	19.8%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,808/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $39.97less	3.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,544/mo	↓ $27.32less	1.7%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$632/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.8%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Las Vegas, NV

$3,300

Difference

$1,923

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.8%

San Diego, CA

$634

Las Vegas, NV

$508

Difference

$126

less

📦Other

↓ 4.4%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Las Vegas, NV

$1,808

Difference

$83.70

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Las Vegas, NV

$1,039

Difference

$39.97

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Las Vegas, NV

$1,544

Difference

$27.32

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

San Diego, CA

$638

Las Vegas, NV

$632

Difference

$6.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,270

↓ $1,295

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,410

↓ $1,345

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,655

↓ $1,705

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,300

↓ $2,175

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,831

Monthly in Las Vegas, NV

$2,206

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Las Vegas

$980K

Median Value

$377K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.3%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$265K - $712K

Homes in Las Vegas are 62% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Las Vegas

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.