Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Las Vegas, NV (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Las Vegas

Nevada
111

Phoenix and Las Vegas have a similar cost of living.

$1,458/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,456/mo ≈ Same
$77,041/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$70,723/yr ↓ 8%
$381,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$395,300 ↑ 4%
$1,430/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,452/mo ↑ 2%
1,624,832
Population
650,873

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
Sales Tax
6.85%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Las Vegas, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,318/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $395,300 in Las Vegas.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Las Vegas — common questions

Is Phoenix or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Las Vegas?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Las Vegas it's $1,456/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $70,723 in Las Vegas. Median household income is $6,318/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Nevada?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Las Vegas?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,456/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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