Living Guide: Is Las Vegas a Good Place to Live in 2024?

By: ROS Team

Neon lights, and 24/7 parties may well be the billboard image of Las Vegas, but any resident here will tell you that there’s so much more to life here beyond the flashing lights of the Strip.

Warm weather, a career change, or the hope of settling in a place with exciting outdoor and social activities are all good reasons to move here.

As of July 2023, Las Vegas’ population had increased by 2.5% since 2020. Moreover, between July and August 2024, over 4,700 people moved here from Los Angeles alone.

So, what about this stunning Mojave Desert setting city is the draw?

Is Las Vegas a good place to live?

If you read long enough, let’s help you understand why over 640,000 people love Sin City enough to call it home.

The Cost of Living: Still Affordable, But Changing Fast

Is Las Vegas cheap? It’s pretty much a common question among those considering moving to Las Vegas.

Living in Las Vegas is generally more affordable than in coastal cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, but the landscape is changing.

While the overall cost of living here is 1% lower than the national average, most expenses, such as housing, groceries, and utilities, are above average.

The cost of a home here has risen slightly over the past few years, reflecting the city’s growing popularity. Rent is also rising, with a comfortable 3-bedroom apartment costing over $3,000, though you will find variations depending on the neighborhood.

Average House Rent: $1,472
Median Home Value: $430,000

Yet, Life in Las Vegas remains attractive for cost-conscious residents, especially compared to cities in neighboring California.

Expense Category	Compared to the National Average
Housing	6% higher
Utilities	13% higher
Groceries	5% higher
Transportation	15% higher
Healthcare	13% lower

Note:

The state’s lack of income tax is a major perk. No income tax means that the salary you earn is the salary you get, making it a favorite for people relocating from high-tax states.

The Job Market is Thriving Beyond Tourism

While tourism and hospitality still hold the lion’s share of jobs, the employment market in Las Vegas is booming and more diversified than ever.

New industries are gaining traction, particularly in retail, healthcare, arts, and construction. Plus, companies like Switch and Zappos have helped boost the tech scene in the city, which, due to its location and infrastructure, is also a logistics hub.

It’s why companies like the Red Carpet Moving Company thrive here. They oversee the smooth transition of many people relocating here to leverage the gold mine of opportunities here.

However, other sectors are fast becoming equally enticing. As of September 2024, the city’s unemployment rate has reduced by 0.2%, reflecting a healthy and growing job market.

Median Household Income: $66,356
Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
Poverty Rate: 14.7%

Who benefits the most from moving to Las Vegas?

Those in hospitality, the entrepreneurs, tech and healthcare professionals will find plenty of opportunities. Meanwhile, individual salaries vary depending on the industry, but the average base is around $72,000.

Generally, for those looking for a career pivot, Las Vegas provides many avenues. There are also education incentives and growth-oriented companies looking for fresh talent.

Education and Schooling is a Mixed Picture with Promise

Education is a big topic for families considering a move, and rightfully so.

Las Vegas has its strengths and weaknesses in this regard. For instance, the Clark County School District serves the region, with over 309,000 students enrolled.

Although the school district has been investing in programs to improve test scores and reduce class sizes, overcrowding and performance disparities persist.

Student to Teacher Ratio: 20:1
School District Quality Rating: Better than 65% of all Nevada school districts

Private and charter schools are popular options for many Las Vegas families. They offer an alternative for those seeking smaller class sizes and specialized programs.

Higher education also shines here with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), offering programs in everything from engineering to hospitality management.

Safety and Crime

Is Las Vegas safe?

Well, this largely depends on the area and neighborhood you wish to live in.

Areas near the Strip and downtown can have higher crime rates, which are often related to nightlife activities. However, the city has many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods like Summerlin West and Stone Bridge.

Here’s a fact though; Las Vegas’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average for both violent and property crimes.

per 1,000 residents	Las Vegas Median	Nevada Median	National Median
Violent Crime	5.18	4.54	4.0
Property Crime	30.23	23.8	20.0

Note:

While crime might seem rampant, the city is investing in safety programs that have led to a gradual decline in overall crime rates.

Healthcare Access: Quality That Comes With Some Limits

There is no question that Las Vegas is a densely populated area, invariably impacting the quality of healthcare and even access.

For instance, the average per capita distribution of physicians in the U.S. is 210 physicians per 100,000 people, whereas that of Las Vegas is only 154 per 100,000 people.

However…

The city has made strides in expanding medical facilities, and recent additions like the Steinberg Diagnostic Center have helped address growing demand.

Major hospitals like Sunrise Hospital and University Medical Center (UMC) provide what is considerably a high level of care — although specialist wait times are long.

The good news though is that healthcare in Las Vegas is affordable. For about $122.06, you can book a doctor’s appointment, and prescription drugs cost $211.91.

So, is Las Vegas a good place to live if you value your health?

Still, yes. It’s not great, but it’s a place to live for retirees and the aging population, who require affordable healthcare more often.

Getting Around: Car-Dependent, But With Growing Options

Is Las Vegas a good place to live — transport-wise?

Not if you don’t know how to drive or own a car yet. Most Las Vegas residents are reliant on driving themselves around. But should you wish to use a cab, there are plenty of options.

Don’t expect to find them on the streets, though!

Las Vegas doesn’t have the most extensive public transportation network, but the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada is pretty reliable and runs bus services along major routes.

Luckily, the city is also bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and a walkable downtown.

Note:

The trouble with movement in Las Vegas is traffic. Driving along the Strip or heading out during rush hour can be time-consuming, even if the average commute time is 1 minute less than the national average.

Decision Point: Is Las Vegas Right for You?

Las Vegas in 2024 is more than just a party city — it comes with opportunity, personality, and a fast-growing community.

Sure, there are challenges; from traffic congestion to school system limitations. But the perks, like affordable living, tax-free income, and a lively job market, make it a contender for many.

So, is Las Vegas a good place to live?

If you’re ready to embrace the uniqueness of desert life and trade in some coastal costs for sandy sunsets, Las Vegas could be the fresh start you’re looking for.