Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, are two prominent metropolitan areas in the Southwestern United States that offer unique living and leisure experiences. Phoenix, known for its warm weather, thriving job market, and diverse recreational options, attracts those who want affordable living and work-life balance. On the other hand, Las Vegas, famous for its vibrant entertainment scene, also boasts a booming economy and competitive real estate market. This comparison provides a comprehensive overview of what each city has to offer in terms of various relevant aspects.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Las Vegas, NV : 256.3 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 151%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
Statistically, both Phoenix and Las Vegas exceed the national average crime rate, which is typical for densely populated areas. However, the crimes are mostly concentrated in specific parts of these cities, while other areas are generally safe. Phoenix has a lower overall crime rate compared to Las Vegas. Various neighborhoods in Phoenix are listed among the safest in the country. Las Vegas invests heavily in surveillance and security, especially in resorts and tourist locations, which continually improves safety levels. Therefore, safety issues should be checked based on specific neighborhoods for both cities.
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 3,641 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 4,821 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 444 to 1; the ratio in Las Vegas is 131 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Phoenix than in Las Vegas.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Phoenix is generally lower than the national average and significantly lower than in Las Vegas. Housing costs are lower in Phoenix, and the city is often listed as one of the most affordable large metropolises for housing in the U.S. Consumer prices, including groceries, are also generally lower in Phoenix. Las Vegas, on the other hand, has a higher cost of living, partly due to the city's popularity for tourism, which inflates prices, especially in services.
Income Tax
Arizona has a state income tax with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.50%, depending on the income level. Nevada, including Las Vegas, does not have a state income tax, which could be a financial advantage for higher-earning residents or potential movers.
Property Tax
Phoenix is within Maricopa County, which has a comparatively low average property tax rate of 0.802%. Las Vegas, located in Clark County, has a slightly higher average property tax rate of around 0.92%.
Sales Tax
The combined sales tax rate for Phoenix, AZ, is 8.6% compared to Las Vegas, NV, at 8.375%. While the rates are close, residents might see small differences in costs for goods and services due to this difference.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Las Vegas, you will have to make $51,060 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is in the Salt River Valley, also known as the "Valley of the Sun", surrounded by desert and mountainous landscapes. It offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golf. Las Vegas is in the Mojave Desert and surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. Nearby, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Hoover Dam provide opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Phoenix offers a wide variety of educational institutions, from public and private primary and secondary schools to higher education colleges and universities. The state of Arizona also hosts several top-rated universities. Las Vegas also has a wide variety of institutions, although its public school system has faced criticism for oversized classes and lower academic performance.
Phoenix's economy is strong and diverse, having shifted from its agricultural roots to high tech, manufacturing, and service industries. Las Vegas's economy, although heavily reliant on tourism and entertainment, also includes other sectors like aerospace and defense, healthcare, and information technology. Nevada's low business taxes also attract many businesses. However, the Phoenix job market is considered more stable due to its diverse economy.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Phoenix are the State of Arizona, Banner Health, and Walmart, followed by several tech companies like Intel and Honeywell Aerospace. In Las Vegas, the biggest employers are the Clark County School District, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
2020
50.2%
53.7%
48.0%
44.3%
1.8%
2.0%
2016
44.9%
52.4%
47.7%
41.7%
7.5%
5.8%
2012
43.6%
56.4%
54.3%
41.8%
2.1%
1.8%
2008
44.0%
58.5%
54.5%
39.5%
1.5%
2.0%
2004
42.4%
51.8%
57.0%
46.9%
0.6%
1.3%
2000
43.0%
51.4%
53.4%
44.8%
3.6%
3.8%
1996
44.5%
75.5%
47.2%
18.8%
8.2%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
18.1%
4.3%
4.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
1.6%
6.5%
11.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.4%
2.0%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.5%
1.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.1%
1.3%
1.1%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
Weather
The weather in Phoenix and Las Vegas is similar - both cities are located in desert regions and experience high temperatures in summer. Phoenix has an average of 299 sunny days per year, while Las Vegas has slightly less with around 294. In winter, both cities enjoy mild weather, although Phoenix is generally warmer with average low temperatures in January around 45°F, compared to 37°F in Las Vegas.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
76%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Las Vegas
2018
156
100
0.38
0.42
15.2
13.1
28.5
37.2
34.8
24.4
8.6
6.0
0.6
0.7
2017
120
101
0.41
0.29
15.9
13.0
28.6
38.5
34.9
20.3
7.6
7.3
1.4
0.8
2016
114
97
0.44
0.38
15.8
11.2
27.3
36.5
30.6
20.6
7.7
8.7
0.4
0.8
2015
102
92
0.46
0.36
17.6
12.4
27.1
35.6
26.2
18.9
7.9
8.4
0.9
1.2
2014
117
91
0.46
0.40
19.6
10.8
27.6
36.5
37.0
21.1
8.5
9.2
1.1
1.4
2013
130
103
0.43
0.45
19.9
9.6
27.9
36.9
35.3
22.1
8.4
8.6
0.9
1.5
2012
157
94
0.44
0.49
21.2
5.9
28.1
38.5
41.9
21.5
8.8
8.3
1.3
1.4
2011
203
85
0.47
0.40
20.0
5.3
28.3
37.5
41.3
18.2
9.6
7.8
0.9
1.2
2010
100
86
0.48
0.50
19.9
5.7
26.9
36.6
31.2
16.1
8.3
7.1
0.9
N/A
2009
108
87
0.52
0.56
20.1
6.0
25.6
33.3
38.2
20.9
N/A
8.3
1.8
N/A
2008
106
82
0.48
0.66
21.4
8.2
26.6
33.0
39.6
N/A
N/A
9.2
2.4
N/A
2007
129
97
0.54
0.61
23.5
11.7
25.2
32.4
47.6
N/A
N/A
8.6
2.4
0.1
2006
131
102
0.66
0.75
25.3
13.4
24.4
32.7
50.8
N/A
N/A
8.3
2.3
0.8
2005
109
100
0.74
0.76
25.9
15.1
22.2
30.2
44.6
N/A
N/A
7.8
2.5
5.3
2004
98
85
0.77
0.71
25.5
16.0
23.4
30.6
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.6
2003
101
99
0.90
0.67
26.8
15.9
23.7
29.8
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.0
2002
111
94
0.98
0.73
28.7
15.7
23.6
30.6
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
0.7
2001
106
95
1.00
0.76
28.6
15.0
22.3
29.4
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.1
2000
117
95
1.14
0.88
29.9
14.7
24.6
29.7
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
12%
Transportation
Phoenix has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and a light rail system. However, its sprawling nature means most residents prefer to use cars. Las Vegas has less public transit, with a significant reliance on cars. However, the bus system, monorail, and trams are efficient for moving around the busy tourist areas.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Bicycle
0.4%
0.1%
Bus
1.8%
2.2%
Carpooled
12.2%
10.3%
Car alone
81.8%
82.7%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.4%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.4%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Average
28.6 min
26.3 min
Other means
26.4 min
24 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
2%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Phoenix is considered more affordable than many metropolitan areas in the U.S., and it's less expensive than in Las Vegas. However, both cities' real estate markets are competitive, with steadily increasing home values. In terms of purchasing property, investors or residents may find Phoenix more appealing for long-term investments due to its stable growth.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix and Las Vegas offer a wide range of diverse and unique neighborhoods. Phoenix's neighborhoods vary from historic districts to modern suburban sprawls, while Las Vegas has exclusive gated communities symbolizing the city's glitz and glamour. However, living outside the central regions in both cities can provide tranquil suburban lifestyles.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Houses
644,625
269,602
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.7
Median year apartment built
1987
1991
Median year house/condo built
1983
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$417,434
Median house age
36
27
Renting percentage
42.4%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
2,379.4
House value disparities
30.8%
27.1%
Household income disparities
43.9%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
5,092 (5.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Las Vegas
One, detached
60.3%
61.5%
One, attached
4.9%
5.3%
Two
1.4%
1.3%
3 or 4
4.4%
7.7%
5 to 9
5.0%
8.4%
10 to 19
5.3%
4.8%
20 to 49
4.1%
2.8%
50 or more
11.3%
6.8%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
18,990
State government workers
30,385
6,950
Unpaid family workers
1,048
614
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix is home to several major companies in sectors like high tech, healthcare, and manufacturing, while Las Vegas hosts international hospitality, entertainment, and gambling companies. Phoenix offers more job diversity, with professions in healthcare and educational services, retail trade, and manufacturing, while Las Vegas leans toward hospitality and retail jobs.
Both Phoenix and Las Vegas offer high-quality healthcare options. Phoenix has several top-rated hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic and Banner University Medical Center. In contrast, Las Vegas’s healthcare system has seen significant improvements in recent years with medical facilities like the University Medical Center and Sunrise Hospital ranking high for patient care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-developed infrastructures, with a wide range of services and recreational facilities. Phoenix is known for its well-maintained road network and widespread parks, while Las Vegas boasts state-of-the-art convention centers and resorts. The nature of the tourist industry in Las Vegas also means that the hospitality infrastructure is highly developed.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Hospitals
48
39
TV stations
22
12
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
263
281
Bank institutions located here
41
34
Main business address for public companies
41
57
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
32
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Las Vegas
1999
5,846
2,657
2000
4,847
579
2001
3,823
371
2002
3,472
380
2003
5,750
3,590
2004
9,848
5,908
2005
15,879
7,894
2006
18,392
6,914
2007
9,797
3,733
2008
3,130
1,431
2009
1,614
813
Culture and Food
Phoenix, being culturally diverse, offers a wide variety of food options, from traditional Mexican to fusion dishes. The cultural scene is vibrant with multiple festivals, museums, and art galleries. Las Vegas, worldwide known as "The Entertainment Capital of the World", is rich in global cuisine and features high-end restaurants headed by celebrity chefs.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to cheer about in both cities. Phoenix is home to major sports teams including the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL) and Arizona Coyotes (NHL). In contrast, Las Vegas hosts the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) and the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL).
Phoenix, AZ
Las Vegas, NV
