Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Modesto

California
120

Las Vegas is 8% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,456/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 11%
$70,723/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 10%
$395,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 5%
$1,452/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 11%
650,873
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $7,176/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Modesto — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Modesto?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Modesto?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $7,176/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Las Vegas details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Vegas and Modesto

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