What to Expect When Moving from L.A. to Las Vegas

🌆 What to Expect When Moving from L.A. to Las Vegas

Planning a move from Los Angeles to Las Vegas? Here’s a breakdown of lifestyle, traffic, housing, weather, and culture differences to help you know what to expect in 2025. All of these reasons is why I moved to Las Vegas from Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago.

Introduction

Thinking of leaving the traffic and taxes of Los Angeles behind? You’re not alone. Thousands of Californians are making the move to Las Vegas every year — for affordability, space, and lifestyle upgrades.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of what you can expect when you trade palm trees for palm trees with a lot more breathing room.

1. 🏡 Housing: Space & Savings

✅ What this means: You can often buy a house in Las Vegas for less than you’d pay in rent in L.A.
✅ Larger lots, newer builds, and better HOA amenities are common

2. 🚗 Traffic & Commute Times

L.A.: 60–90 minute commutes are normal (my wife commuted 3 hours each way when we lived there! Yikes!)
Las Vegas: 20–30 minutes on average, 45 minutes max usually
✅ Less time in traffic means more time living

3. ☀️ Weather Differences

L.A.: Coastal, humid, unpredictable traffic even in good weather
Las Vegas: Hot summers, dry air, mild winters, and the occasional snow flurries

 ✅ No hurricanes, floods (rare), or fire evacuations
✅ Summer A/C bills go up, and low winter heating bills

4. 💰 Taxes & Cost of Living

✅ No state income tax in Nevada = more take-home pay
✅ Less tax on gas, goods, and property

5. 🎭 Lifestyle & Entertainment

L.A.: Beaches, clubs, celebrity culture, constant hustle
Las Vegas: Amazing Restaurants, shows, golf, outdoors, lake access
✅ Both cities have vibrant nightlife, but Las Vegas wins on affordability and ease
✅ Major concerts, sports, and events now hit Las Vegas regularly

6. 🏫 Schools & Family Life

• Henderson and Summerlin offer top-rated schools
  
  
• Master-planned communities have parks, splash pads, and safe walking areas
  
  
• Las Vegas is more suburban — great for families
  🔗 Relocating to Las Vegas With Kids – Full Guide 

7. 🛫 Proximity to L.A.

• Flights: 45 minutes and under $100 round trip
  
  
• Driving: 4–5 hours via I-15
  ✅ Stay close to friends/family without paying L.A. prices
  
  

FAQs

Q: Will I miss the beach?
A: Possibly. I didn’t miss it, but Lake Mead and quick California weekend trips can help fill the gap.

Q: Is it easier to own a home in Vegas?
A: Absolutely. The down payment, monthly payments, and property taxes are far lower.

Q: Can I still work my L.A. job remotely?
A: Many of my clients do! And they keep California wages while paying no income tax in Nevada.

Final Thoughts

Moving from L.A. to Las Vegas might feel like a big shift — but for most, it’s a big upgrade. You’ll trade congestion and high costs for breathing room, new opportunities, and a smoother lifestyle.

📲 Want help relocating or comparing neighborhoods?
Schedule a quick call with me here