Moving to a new city always requires careful consideration, especially when comparing two distinct places like Las Vegas, Nevada, and Sacramento, California. Each city has its unique characteristics still, important to note their differences in areas such as crime safety, weather, cost of living, education, and other vital factors. This article aims to compare and contrast these cities in numerous aspects to help you make an informed decision should you consider relocating or visiting.
Distance between
Las Vegas, NV and
Sacramento, CA : 379.7 miles
Las Vegas's population is larger by 23%. Its population has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
Both Las Vegas and Sacramento deal with their share of crime. Sacramento's crime rate is marginally higher than that of Las Vegas, but the difference is small enough to be negligible. It's essential to research neighborhoods in both cities before deciding on a place to live. However, aided by reliable law enforcement, both cities have safe areas to live and visit.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 4,821 registered sex offenders living in Las Vegas and 2,246 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Las Vegas is 131 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 220 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Las Vegas than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Las Vegas is lower compared to Sacramento. This is especially evident in housing prices where Vegas is around 30% cheaper. Other costs such as groceries, healthcare, and utilities also tend to be lower in Vegas compared to Sacramento.
Income Tax
One significant difference between the two cities is that Nevada does not have a state income tax, making Las Vegas a more attractive place for workers seeking to maximize their income. In contrast, California has a progressive income tax that goes up to 13.3%.
Property Tax
Despite a lower cost of living, the property tax in Las Vegas is higher than in Sacramento. Nevada's property tax averages around 0.77% while in California, it's roughly 0.73%.
Sales Tax
Nevada's sales tax is higher than California's at 6.85% versus 6%. However, visitors and residents might notice prices in Sacramento to be higher due to other local taxes.
Income
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$59,746
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$33,825
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
99.1
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Las Vegas, you will have to make $51,917 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
In terms of geography, these two cities are quite different. Las Vegas is located in a desert area, surrounded by mountains. Sacramento, on the other hand, is in the lower Sacramento Valley, near the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. The city has a flat topography and is surrounded by farmland.
Sacramento tends to give a greater emphasis on education, with access to numerous higher learning institutions like California State University. In contrast, while Vegas also has access to educational institutions like the University of Nevada, Sacramento generally ranks higher in education.
Both cities have diverse economies. Vegas leans heavily on entertainment and tourism with its numerous casinos and hotels. While the public sector dominates Sacramento's economy, as it's California's state capital. Both cities offer a lot of job opportunities, but their industries significantly differ.
Biggest Employers
In Las Vegas, the biggest employers are the MGM Resorts International and Caesar's Entertainment. In Sacramento, the State of California is the city's largest employer, alongside UC Davis Health system.
There were 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
2020
53.7%
61.4%
44.3%
36.1%
2.0%
2.5%
2016
52.4%
58.0%
41.7%
33.8%
5.8%
8.3%
2012
56.4%
58.1%
41.8%
39.1%
1.8%
2.8%
2008
58.5%
58.4%
39.5%
39.4%
2.0%
2.2%
2004
51.8%
49.8%
46.9%
49.6%
1.3%
0.6%
2000
51.4%
49.4%
44.8%
45.4%
3.8%
5.2%
1996
75.5%
49.8%
18.8%
40.8%
5.7%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
16.2%
4.0%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.7%
11.2%
8.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.5%
1.6%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.4%
1.4%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.6%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.1%
0.9%
0.6%
1.3%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
2.2%
Weather
The weather in these two cities is quite different. Sacramento boasts a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the other hand, Las Vegas experiences a hotter desert climate with sweltering, dry summers and mild winters. Tourists and potential settlers should prepare for the heat if they plan to move to or visit Las Vegas.
Weather and climate
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
65.5°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
30.7%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
10%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
5.7 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.1%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
91.8%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
92%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
76%
45%
Wind speed - Average
9.2 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento
2018
100
121
0.42
0.32
13.1
9.7
37.2
24.7
0.002
N/A
24.4
28.9
6.0
12.7
0.7
N/A
2017
101
117
0.29
0.33
13.0
9.0
38.5
25.2
0.002
N/A
20.3
22.1
7.3
8.8
0.8
N/A
2016
97
103
0.38
0.44
11.2
8.0
36.5
25.3
0.002
N/A
20.6
14.0
8.7
9.0
0.8
N/A
2015
92
105
0.36
0.25
12.4
9.7
35.6
24.9
0.002
N/A
18.9
16.2
8.4
10.9
1.2
N/A
2014
91
99
0.40
0.24
10.8
10.2
36.5
24.9
0.002
N/A
21.1
15.6
9.2
9.6
1.4
N/A
2013
103
102
0.45
0.29
9.6
11.1
36.9
23.2
0.002
N/A
22.1
21.3
8.6
11.9
1.5
N/A
2012
94
107
0.49
0.31
5.9
10.5
38.5
25.2
0.002
N/A
21.5
15.2
8.3
7.9
1.4
N/A
2011
85
106
0.40
0.29
5.3
11.2
37.5
24.0
0.002
N/A
18.2
17.7
7.8
10.8
1.2
N/A
2010
86
109
0.50
0.29
5.7
11.2
36.6
22.8
N/A
N/A
16.1
16.9
7.1
9.3
N/A
0.5
2009
87
118
0.56
0.40
6.0
12.4
33.3
23.3
0.003
N/A
20.9
20.6
8.3
11.4
N/A
0.5
2008
82
130
0.66
0.40
8.2
14.9
33.0
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.3
9.2
13.6
N/A
0.5
2007
97
129
0.61
0.39
11.7
14.8
32.4
23.7
0.005
N/A
N/A
19.9
8.6
13.5
0.1
0.6
2006
102
124
0.75
0.49
13.4
15.4
32.7
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.7
8.3
13.0
0.8
0.5
2005
100
125
0.76
0.42
15.1
15.9
30.2
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.1
7.8
13.5
5.3
0.6
2004
85
119
0.71
0.49
16.0
15.8
30.6
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
13.3
1.6
0.6
2003
99
119
0.67
0.47
15.9
16.8
29.8
20.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
1.0
0.9
2002
94
114
0.73
0.50
15.7
18.1
30.6
21.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.5
2001
95
111
0.76
0.43
15.0
18.0
29.4
21.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
20.7
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.4
2000
95
107
0.88
0.55
14.7
17.9
29.7
19.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
0.4
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
2.1%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,093.4%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
18%
Transportation
Both cities offer dependable public transportation options. Sacramento has an efficient light rail system while Las Vegas has a comprehensive bus network. Both cities also have plenty of biking lanes and walkable areas. However, like most US cities, having a car is often more convenient.
Transport
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
81
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.1%
1.1%
Bus
2.2%
1%
Carpooled
10.3%
12%
Car alone
82.7%
80%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Average
26.3 min
28.5 min
Other means
24 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
49.9 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.9%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
8.2%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Las Vegas is more affordable than in Sacramento, with medium house prices significantly lower. Vegas's lower property taxes also make it a more attractive choice for property investment.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods, ranging from vibrant and lively areas to quieter, family-focused suburbs. Las Vegas has Summerlin and Henderson, while Sacramento has Curtis Park and East Sacramento.
Houses and residents
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Houses
269,602
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.6
Median year apartment built
1991
1977
Median year house/condo built
1995
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
10.1 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
250,350 (92.9%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
138,677 (55.4%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
111,673 (44.6%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,176
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,255
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$989,410
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$362,400
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$439,169
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,204
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$201,871
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$327,174
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$113,235
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$274,961
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$417,434
$481,210
Median house age
27
44
Renting percentage
43.5%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,379.4
2,168.8
House value disparities
27.1%
25.5%
Household income disparities
47.1%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$90,388
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$62,287
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
1,172 (1.2%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,450 (4.6%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
95,992 (98.8%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
178 (0.2%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,092 (5.2%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Las Vegas
Sacramento
One, detached
61.5%
61.7%
One, attached
5.3%
6.8%
Two
1.3%
1.8%
3 or 4
7.7%
4.8%
5 to 9
8.4%
6.9%
10 to 19
4.8%
4.9%
20 to 49
2.8%
3.5%
50 or more
6.8%
7.6%
Mobile homes
1.4%
1.9%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
18,990
12,891
State government workers
6,950
40,274
Unpaid family workers
614
755
Industries and Occupations
Sacramento is predominantly in the public administration sector due to its status as the state capital. Conversely, Las Vegas's economy heavily relies on the entertainment, accommodation, and food services sector.
Both cities have excellent healthcare facilities. However, Sacramento is home to UC Davis Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the nation. Las Vegas also has some excellent medical facilities, such as the University Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Vegas's infrastructure largely supports its tourism industry with sprawling hotels, casinos, entertainment centers, and restaurants. Sacramento's infrastructure primarily provides public services, being the capital city.
Infrastructure
Type
Las Vegas
Sacramento
Hospitals
39
17
TV stations
12
23
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
281
127
Bank institutions located here
34
31
Main business address for public companies
57
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
32
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Las Vegas
Sacramento
1999
2,657
1,003
2000
579
1,155
2001
371
983
2002
380
1,197
2003
3,590
2,258
2004
5,908
3,872
2005
7,894
4,610
2006
6,914
4,276
2007
3,733
2,386
2008
1,431
1,381
2009
813
647
Culture and Food
Las Vegas is world-renowned for its bustling entertainment scene from live concerts, shows, restaurants, and nightlife. In contrast, Sacramento is known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, boasting a vibrant food scene with restaurants capitalizing on the ample local produce.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find a home in either city. Sacramento is home to the NBA's Kings, while Las Vegas hosts the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders. Both cities also have minor league baseball teams and other sports events.
Las Vegas, NV
Sacramento, CA
