Best Affordable Places to Live in Nevada in 2025
(Last Updated – 03/2025)
Nevada, a western state of about 3.2 million people, is one of the sunniest in the country. Southern areas boast mild winters, while the towns in the north can experience all four seasons. It’s also home to natural wonders, including stunning mountains, the Great Basin, and Lake Tahoe, the nation’s largest alpine lake, which straddles the border with California. And, of course, Nevada is the undisputed gaming capital of the U.S. with hot spots like Las Vegas and Reno. Vegas can be an amazing place to see live entertainment, such as at the jaw-dropping Sphere, too.
The average cost of living in Nevada is just north of the national average, so you can likely find a place to suit your budget. Here’s a look at the best affordable places to live in Nevada and the cost of living in some of Nevada’s big cities and smaller towns.
Best Places to Live in Nevada
Ultimately, the best place to live in Nevada will depend on your needs and wants, whether you’re a young professional looking for a job, a retiree seeking a place to spend your golden years, or you’re outdoorsy and itching for a wilderness adventure. If you’re a big-city person, Las Vegas and neighboring cities may be your ticket, but there are plenty of small towns if you want a quieter lifestyle.
💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. Look for a mortgage lender who’s dedicated to closing your loan on time.
Best Affordable Places to Live in Nevada
Nevada is one of the U.S. states where wages have failed to keep pace with rising home prices in recent years, meaning you will see higher price-to-income ratios here than in many other states. However, even Nevada’s bigger cities offer affordable options. If you’re looking to buy a home and you are a first-time homebuyer, look into programs that can help you save on a home mortgage and more.
Another tip: Consider going through the mortgage preapproval process to enhance your position as you start bidding in the housing market. And check out this list of most affordable places to live in Nevada.
1. Carson City
Photo credit: iStock/halbergman
Carson City, located in the northern part of the state, is the capital city of Nevada and is 32 miles from Reno. The city boasts beautiful parks, scenic trails, museums, art venues, and many shops and restaurants. It provides easy access to the great outdoors with Lake Tahoe just 20 miles away.
Population: 58,036
Median Household Income: $71,809
Cost of Living: 102% of the U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $1,600
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.57
2. Las Vegas
Photo credit: iStock/f11photo
Perhaps Nevada’s most famous — and infamous — destination, Las Vegas boasts hotels, casinos, nightlife, and diverse restaurants, so there’s always plenty to do. Winters are mild, but summers are very hot. When you’re tired of hanging out on the strip and feel the need to commune with nature, nearby parks, like Red Rock Canyon, provide access to the great outdoors.
Population: 660,929
Median Household Income: $70,723
Cost of Living: 102% of the U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,000
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.02
3. Boulder City
Photo credit: iStock/benedek
Home of the Hoover Dam, and established to house its builders, Boulder City provides easy access to outdoor activities on Lake Mead, in Black Canyon, and on the Colorado River. It’s just 26 miles outside of Las Vegas, so it offers quick access to the resources of a much bigger city.
Population: 14,828
Median Household Income: $69,145
Cost of Living: 101% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,600
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.61
Recommended: Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval
Best Places to Live in Nevada for Families
Looking to raise a family in Nevada? Here are three cities to consider.
1. Winnemucca
Located in northwestern Nevada, Winnemucca is one of the smaller cities on our list. It offers a spread-out suburban feel, and families can explore local attractions like the Humboldt Museum, get in a round of bowling at Spare Time, or picnic in Vesco Park. Water Canyon Recreation Area offers hiking, biking, and camping. Families may appreciate the city’s above-average schools.
Population: 8,261
Median Household Income: $80,844
Cost of Living: 90% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,200
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.97
2. Elko
Photo credit: iStock/Michael_Buck
A bit bigger than Winnemucca, and toward the eastern part of the state, Elko offers a similar suburban feel. Families may enjoy the Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival, heading to the rodeo at the Silver State Stampede, or hiking, horseback riding, and snow sledding in the Humboldt National Forest. (Parents also appreciate the above-average school system.) If you’re looking to buy in the area, consider these tips to qualify for a mortgage.
Population: 20,785
Median Household Income: $75,630
Cost of Living: 96% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,500
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.48
3. Henderson
Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr
Right next door to Las Vegas, Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada. Parents might appreciate its well-rated school system. The city is also in close proximity to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Outdoor recreation areas like Cornerstone Park, which features a 31-acre lake, nature trails, picnic areas, sports facilities, and a playground, provide spaces for families to gather and play. If you’re thinking of buying a large property for your family, you may want to investigate getting a jumbo mortgage loan, which can help with financing for a pricey house.
Population: 337,305
Median Household Income: $88,654
Cost of Living: 107% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,261
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.49
Best Places to Live in Nevada for Young Adults
Nevada’s larger cities are most likely to provide career opportunities for young adults.
1. Las Vegas
Photo credit: iStock/f11photo
Nevada’s largest city may offer the most opportunities for job, entertainment, and companionship. The biggest employers are the resort companies that run the city’s famous casinos, but the city also has large health-care employers and is a growing tech hub with many startups setting up shop.
Thinking of moving to Vegas? Familiarize yourself with different types of mortgage loans, and visit a home loan help center to get comfortable with mortgage basics.
Population: 660,929
Median Household Income: $70,723
Cost of Living: 102% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,000
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.02
2. Henderson
Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr
Henderson provides easy access to the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas just next door. There are also plenty of job opportunities, not just in entertainment but in technology, with Google and Amazon opening large data centers in the city. The Las Vegas Raiders have also built their headquarters in town.
Population: 337,305
Median Household Income: $88,654
Cost of Living: 107% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,261
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.49
3. Fernley
Photo credit: iStock/jmoor17
Fernley is about 30 miles east of Reno, a fair commute for young adults who work in Reno but are in search of lower housing prices. Living in Fernley also puts residents within easy reach of Pyramid Lake, the home of the Paiute Tribe, one of America’s most beautiful desert lakes, and a fishing mecca.
Population: 24,744
Median Household Income: $87,991
Cost of Living: 92% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,000
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.33
💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better loan terms you’ll be offered. One way to improve your ratio is to increase your income (hello, side hustle!). Another way is to consolidate your debt and lower your monthly debt payments.
Best Places to Live in Nevada for Retirees
The mild climate and low cost of living draw many retirees to Nevada. What’s more taxes, in the state are relatively low, and Social Security benefits are not taxed at the state level.
1. Mesquite
Photo credit: iStock/Solidago
Mesquite is located on the Virgin River on the border of Arizona. It’s home to hotels, casinos, and golf courses. If you’re thinking of retiring here, you’re not alone: 45% of the population is 65 and older.
Population: 22,786
Median Household Income: $74,439
Cost of Living: 93% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,675
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.11
3. Boulder City
Photo credit: iStock/benedek
Boulder City has a large concentration of retirement communities, and about 30% of the population is 65 or older. Because it is near the shores of Lake Mead, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and at just 25 miles from Las Vegas, the city is a stone’s throw away from nightlife and culture.
Population: 14,828
Median Household Income: $69,145
Cost of Living: 101% of the U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $1,600
3. Las Vegas
Photo credit: iStock/f11photo
Las Vegas is a good option for retirees looking for an active retirement. It boasts easy access to health care and a large number of retirement communities and recreation centers in addition to its famed hotels, casinos, and nightlife.
Population: 660,929
Median Household Income: $70,723
Cost of Living: 102% of the U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,000
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.02
Recommended: Refinance Your Mortgage and Save
Best Places to Live in Nevada for Outdoor Recreation
Nevada is home to mountains, deserts, rivers, and stunning lakes, providing ample opportunity for outdoor recreation.
1. Fernley
Photo credit: iStock/jmoor17
Just 34 minutes outside of Reno, Fernley is nestled close to Lake Tahoe, Washoe Lake, and Pyramid Lake where residents can hike, fish, kayak, and mountain bike. There is skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevadas.
Population: 24,744
Median Household Income: $87,991
Cost of Living: 92% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,000
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.33
2. Winnemucca
Winnemucca is a small town in northwestern Nevada. Residents can explore the Winnemucca sand dunes, hike or mountain bike in the Water Canyon Recreation Center, and hike the Winnemucca Mountain Trail on the city’s namesake peak.
Population: 8,261
Median Household Income: $80,844
Cost of Living: 90% of the U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $1,200
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.97
3. Las Vegas
Photo credit: iStock/f11photo
A city known for hotels shaped like Egyptian pyramids, Roman palaces, and the city of Paris may not be the first to mind when it comes to outdoor recreation. But Las Vegas is close to some of the nation’s premier national parks, including nearby Red Rock Canyon. The city can also serve as a jumping off point to some of the crown jewels of the national parks system, including Zion National Park and Death Valley, each a two-hour drive away, and the Grand Canyon, a four hour drive.
Population: 660,929
Median Household Income: $70,723
Cost of Living: 102% of the U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,000
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.02
Recommended: Cost of Living by State
The Takeaway
If you are considering living in Nevada, know that the state’s cost of living is just slightly above the national average. If you decide Nevada is right for you, consider your needs and your budget as you explore your options. Large cities may offer the most career opportunities, entertainment options, and amenities, and many have quick access to nature. Smaller towns are relaxing and may be situated closer to the spectacular scenery Nevada has to offer.
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FAQ
Is Nevada a good place to live 2025?
Nevada offers a variety of cities in rural, suburban, and urban destinations. The average cost of living for the state is about 1% above national average, meaning there are many affordable options, whether you’re a nature lover, younger adult, family, or retiree.
What is the best city to move to in Nevada?
The best city for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you like a large urban setting, Las Vegas or Henderson may be good fits. However, if a small town close to nature is more your style, you might consider towns in the Lake Tahoe region, like Fernley.
Where is the best place to live in Nevada for weather?
For the most part, the climate in Nevada is arid or semi-arid. Cities in the northern portion of the state experience four seasons, while Las Vegas and other cities in the southern part of the state experience mild winters and hot summers.
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