Las Vegas is no longer a "cheap" city. While housing once was a bargain, rapid growth has erased much of the advantage.
| Category | Monthly Cost (Single) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | 1BR: $1,450–$1,600 2BR: $1,800–$2,100 |
Up 30%+ since 2019; median home ~$420K |
| Food | $400–$550 | Groceries ~national avg; dining out adds up. |
| Transportation | $250–$450 | Car essential (gas, insurance, maintenance). RTC bus limited. |
| Utilities | $150–$250 | AC costs soar in summer (100°F+). |
| Entertainment | $100–$500+ | Shows, dining, gambling — highly variable. |
| Healthcare | $300–$600 | Insurance-dependent; NV marketplace. |
| Total (Est.) | $2,650–$4,000+ | Excludes savings, debt, travel. |
Vegas is moderate-cost with high variance — cheap fun, expensive life.