1. Housing Costs

Henderson, NV
Henderson, a city that lies just southeast of Las Vegas, has long been known for offering a quieter, more suburban lifestyle compared to its larger neighbor. Over the past decade, Henderson has seen significant growth in housing prices, largely due to its appeal to families, retirees, and professionals looking for a more peaceful, yet close, proximity to the entertainment and employment opportunities in Las Vegas.

  • Median Home Price (2023): $495,000
  • Average Rent (2023): $1,900/month for a 1-bedroom apartment

The price surge in Henderson has been particularly noticeable in recent years. From 2019 to 2023, home prices have risen by nearly 40%, as demand for homes in the area has increased.

Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment industry, has experienced significant growth in both housing prices and rental rates over the past decade. With a larger population base and a more extensive real estate market, Las Vegas sees higher housing inventory than Henderson, but also more competition.

  • Median Home Price (2023): $475,000
  • Average Rent (2023): $1,800/month for a 1-bedroom apartment

Las Vegas saw a steep increase in home prices, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work allowed many people to move to the area for its more affordable housing compared to other major cities. From 2013 to 2023, the median home price has jumped by roughly 70%, making it one of the fastest-rising real estate markets in the U.S.

San Diego, CA
San Diego’s real estate market is one of the most expensive in California, driven by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the high quality of life, and the demand for housing in a city that boasts great weather year-round.

  • Median Home Price (2023): $840,000
  • Average Rent (2023): $2,600/month for a 1-bedroom apartment

San Diego’s housing market is far more expensive than either Henderson or Las Vegas. In the last decade, home prices in San Diego have risen by nearly 90%, outpacing both Nevada cities by a significant margin. The city’s growth has been driven by its appeal to tech professionals, military personnel, and those seeking coastal living, making real estate both highly competitive and expensive.

2. Transportation Costs

Henderson, NV
As a suburban city, Henderson offers residents the option to commute to nearby Las Vegas or enjoy a relatively short drive to local amenities. Public transportation is available but not as robust as larger cities. Most residents rely on cars, which means transportation costs (gas, insurance, maintenance) are a key factor.

  • Gasoline: Typically $0.90–$1.10 per gallon less than in California.
  • Car Insurance: Approximately $1,200–$1,400 annually for a standard policy.
  • Public Transportation: A single ride on the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) bus costs around $2.

Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, with a larger population and more extensive transportation infrastructure, has similar transportation costs to Henderson. However, the greater availability of public transportation, including the monorail and bus systems, can help offset some costs for those living in the city center.

  • Gasoline: Typically $0.90-$1.10 per gallon less than in California.
  • Car Insurance: Around $1,300–$1,500 annually.
  • Public Transportation: A single ride on the RTC bus or monorail is $2–$3.

San Diego, CA
San Diego’s cost of transportation is markedly higher, particularly because of the state’s high gas taxes and overall higher car insurance rates.

  • Gasoline: Typically $0.90 – $1.10 per gallon more than in Nevada.
  • Car Insurance: Approximately $1,700–$2,000 annually.
  • Public Transportation: A single ride on the MTS bus or trolley costs about $2.50.

The major transportation cost difference between these three cities is gasoline. California’s high state gas tax significantly drives up prices at the pump, making it much more expensive to own a car in San Diego than in either Henderson or Las Vegas.

3. Food and Groceries

Henderson, NV
The cost of food in Henderson is relatively affordable compared to larger metro areas, as Nevada doesn’t have sales tax on groceries, giving it a distinct advantage over California.

  • Grocery Costs (2023): A typical grocery bill for a family of four averages around $700–$800 per month.

Las Vegas, NV
Similar to Henderson, Las Vegas enjoys the benefit of no sales tax on groceries, keeping food costs fairly reasonable.

  • Grocery Costs (2023): A typical grocery bill for a family of four averages around $750 per month.

San Diego, CA
San Diego’s grocery prices are notably higher, reflecting both the cost of living in California and its higher sales tax rate.

  • Grocery Costs (2023): A typical grocery bill for a family of four averages around $900 per month.

San Diego’s grocery bills are roughly 20–25% higher than those in Henderson or Las Vegas, making it a more expensive city for day-to-day living expenses.

4. Healthcare Costs

Healthcare is another significant component of the cost of living. While this can depend on individual insurance plans, the overall trend shows clear differences between these cities.

Henderson, NV
Healthcare costs in Henderson tend to align with the rest of the state, with a relatively low cost compared to California.

  • Average Cost of Health Insurance: $400–$500 per month for a single person.
  • Doctor’s Visit: Around $120 per visit without insurance.

Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, as a large city, has a wider array of medical facilities, but costs are generally in line with Henderson.

  • Average Cost of Health Insurance: $400–$500 per month for a single person.
  • Doctor’s Visit: Around $130 per visit.

San Diego, CA
Healthcare in California, including San Diego, is among the most expensive in the country, due to both the cost of services and the higher price of insurance plans.

  • Average Cost of Health Insurance: $500–$700 per month for a single person.
  • Doctor’s Visit: Around $150–$200 per visit.

5. Taxes

One of the significant differences between these cities is taxation. Nevada has the advantage of no state income tax, making Henderson and Las Vegas particularly attractive to those seeking to maximize disposable income. In contrast, California imposes high state income taxes (up to 13.3% for the highest earners) that contribute to higher overall costs of living in San Diego.

Nevada

  • State Income Tax: 0%
  • Sales Tax: 6.85% (higher in certain areas like Clark County)

California

  • State Income Tax: 1% to 13.3%, depending on income level
  • Sales Tax: 7.75–8.25% (depending on city and county)

Why the Gas Price Discrepancy?

  • Nevada’s Gas Tax: The state has relatively low taxes on gasoline. The state gas tax is about 33 cents per gallon, one of the lowest in the U.S.
  • California’s Gas Tax: California’s gas tax is notably higher, with a base state gas tax of 50.5 cents per gallon (as of 2023). On top of that, California adds additional fees for environmental programs, which can increase the cost by another 30–40 cents per gallon, depending on the region.
  • Environmental Regulations: California’s environmental standards for gasoline are stricter than those of most other states. For example, California requires a special blend of gasoline that is more expensive to produce, adding an additional cost at the pump.

If you really want to dig into more direct comparisons between cost of living where you are and Henderson NV there are may popular “Cost of Living Calculators”… sites like Nerd Wallet, Forbes, Best Places, SmartAsset and others all have easy to use online calculators. If you want to have some real fun however look for an International Cost of Living Calculator.