Seattle, Washington, and Las Vegas, Nevada, are both vibrant and unique cities offering different lifestyles and opportunities to their residents and visitors. Seattle is known for its tech-driven economy, natural beauty, and pronounced rain, whereas Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, casinos, and sunny weather. This comparison will cover various aspects such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, and more to render a comprehensive picture of living in these two cities.
Distance between
Seattle, WA and
Las Vegas, NV : 869.5 miles
Seattle's population is larger by 14%. Its population has grown by 170,545 people (30.3%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
According to crime indices, both Seattle and Las Vegas have crime rates higher than the national average but the types of crimes prevalent in these cities vary. Violent crime rates are found to be higher in Las Vegas, which may concern potential residents. Seattle instances of property crimes, especially car thefts, are a concern. Safety perception may vary depending on the neighborhood. For tourists, both cities take measures to ensure safety in major tourist areas.
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 595 registered sex offenders living in Seattle and 4,821 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Seattle is 1,184 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 Seattle than in Las Vegas.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Seattle is significantly higher than the national average and that of Las Vegas. Seattle's housing market, in particular, is one of the most expensive in the country. Whilst Las Vegas also has seen an increase in housing costs, it is still more affordable than Seattle. The general day to day living expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are also lower in Las Vegas.
Income Tax
Washington State does not have a personal income tax, which is a significant advantage for Seattle residents. On the contrary, Nevada also does not tax personal income, making both cities appealing in this regard.
Property Tax
Property tax rates vary across the two cities. King County, where Seattle is located, levies a relatively high property tax. Clark County, which comprises Las Vegas, has lower property taxes.
Sales Tax
Residents in Seattle will be paying more in sales tax, with a rate of 10.1% compared to Las Vegas' 8.375% rate. This can make a significant difference in the overall cost of living.
Income
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$110,781
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$74,733
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
118.5
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Las Vegas, you will have to make $59,788 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Seattle is surrounded by water and mountains, making it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Las Vegas, in the heart of the desert, has a unique beauty of its own, with close proximity to the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon.
Both cities offer strong educational opportunities. Seattle is home to the highly regarded University of Washington and multiple top-ranking public schools. Las Vegas also has good public schools and includes University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Each city offers additional vocational, trade, and alternative schools.
Seattle has a strong, diverse economy, with a particularly strong presence in the tech industry, hosting giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Las Vegas' economy, however, is heavily reliant on tourism, gaming, and hospitality industries, which can be more susceptible to economic downturns.
Biggest Employers
In Seattle, Amazon and Microsoft are the biggest employers. The University of Washington and Boeing also provide significant employment. In Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment are among the largest employers.
There were 264 building permits issued in Seattle in 2012 (52 less than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011).
In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% 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
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
2020
75.1%
53.7%
22.3%
44.3%
2.6%
2.0%
2016
70.0%
52.4%
21.1%
41.7%
8.9%
5.8%
2012
69.0%
56.4%
28.5%
41.8%
2.5%
1.8%
2008
70.2%
58.5%
28.1%
39.5%
1.7%
2.0%
2004
65.1%
51.8%
33.8%
46.9%
1.1%
1.3%
2000
60.3%
51.4%
34.5%
44.8%
5.2%
3.8%
1996
56.4%
75.5%
31.4%
18.8%
12.2%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
14.4%
18.1%
4.9%
4.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.3%
0.4%
4.7%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.1%
2.4%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.2%
2.9%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.6%
0.1%
1.4%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.2%
2.3%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
2.0%
1.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.3%
1.6%
3.8%
11.2%
Weather
Weather differences between Las Vegas and Seattle are pronounced. Seattle is known for its cloudy weather and frequent drizzle, with mild summers and cool winters. On the other hand, Las Vegas experiences a desert climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The distinct lack of rainfall in Las Vegas contrasts starkly with Seattle's reputation for being rainy.
Weather and climate
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
52.5°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.5%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
36.6 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
21.4 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
11.6%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.4%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
44%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
20%
76%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
Seattle
Las Vegas
2018
82
100
0.21
0.42
10.6
13.1
20.7
37.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.4
8.3
6.0
0.7
0.7
2017
92
101
0.23
0.29
11.1
13.0
21.0
38.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.3
8.8
7.3
0.3
0.8
2016
67
97
0.22
0.38
11.9
11.2
20.3
36.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.6
6.6
8.7
0.6
0.8
2015
81
92
0.23
0.36
10.8
12.4
19.3
35.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.9
8.5
8.4
0.8
1.2
2014
75
91
0.24
0.40
11.5
10.8
19.5
36.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.1
7.4
9.2
N/A
1.4
2013
81
103
0.24
0.45
N/A
9.6
17.4
36.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.1
9.1
8.6
0.8
1.5
2012
77
94
0.23
0.49
N/A
5.9
19.5
38.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.5
7.7
8.3
1.0
1.4
2011
72
85
0.24
0.40
N/A
5.3
18.6
37.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.2
7.5
7.8
1.1
1.2
2010
71
86
0.24
0.50
N/A
5.7
18.0
36.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.1
6.7
7.1
1.1
N/A
2009
94
87
0.27
0.56
N/A
6.0
17.7
33.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.9
8.0
8.3
1.4
N/A
2008
80
82
0.30
0.66
N/A
8.2
17.8
33.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
9.2
1.3
N/A
2007
83
97
0.30
0.61
N/A
11.7
18.2
32.4
N/A
N/A
20.3
N/A
7.9
8.6
1.5
0.1
2006
98
102
N/A
0.75
N/A
13.4
18.3
32.7
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.7
8.3
N/A
0.8
2005
101
100
0.80
0.76
18.3
15.1
N/A
30.2
N/A
N/A
24.5
N/A
9.5
7.8
3.5
5.3
2004
102
85
0.81
0.71
17.9
16.0
N/A
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
N/A
3.0
1.6
2003
91
99
0.78
0.67
18.5
15.9
N/A
29.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
2.4
1.0
2002
87
94
0.82
0.73
19.3
15.7
N/A
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
2.7
0.7
2001
88
95
0.90
0.76
20.7
15.0
N/A
29.4
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
N/A
3.7
1.1
2000
98
95
1.06
0.88
20.9
14.7
N/A
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
3.2
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
5.5%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,394.2%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
30%
12%
Transportation
Both cities have a spread out metro area requiring most residents to own a car. Still, Seattle's public transportation is more extensive with its metro and bus systems, ferries, and bike-sharing programs. Las Vegas’ public transit primarily consists of bus service.
Transport
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Bicycle
2.1%
0.1%
Bus
8.9%
2.2%
Carpooled
8.7%
10.3%
Car alone
67.8%
82.7%
Ferryboat
0.7%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.4%
Railroad
1.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.3%
0%
Subway
0.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
8%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Average
35 min
26.3 min
Other means
23.5 min
24 min
Public transportation
35.6 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
8.7%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
0.8%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
1.1%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Seattle is robust and pricey with high demand due to population growth. Las Vegas, although more affordable, has seen significant growth and price increases in recent years.
Neighborhoods
Seattle bestows a bountiful choice of neighborhoods with diverse characters - from the central business district of Belltown to the hip and artsy Capitol Hill. Las Vegas offers a mix of suburban and urban feels, with the affluent Summerlin South and bustling Paradise being popular choices.
Houses and residents
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Houses
384,799
269,602
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.7
Median year apartment built
1987
1991
Median year house/condo built
1955
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.4 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
351,650 (91.4%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
161,587 (46%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
190,063 (54%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,780
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$1,984
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$860,506
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$848,100
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.1
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$764,579
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$719,049
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$626,370
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$226,727
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$925,507
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$417,434
Median house age
47
27
Renting percentage
51.9%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
4,587.9
2,379.4
House value disparities
20.6%
27.1%
Household income disparities
42.2%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$189,767
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$112,771
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
2,459 (2.1%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,354 (10.5%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
115,481 (97.9%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
240 (0.2%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,881 (11.8%)
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
2.2%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Seattle
Las Vegas
One, detached
39.6%
61.5%
One, attached
6.0%
5.3%
Two
2.0%
1.3%
3 or 4
3.2%
7.7%
5 to 9
5.7%
8.4%
10 to 19
7.0%
4.8%
20 to 49
11.9%
2.8%
50 or more
24.4%
6.8%
Mobile homes
0.1%
1.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,994
18,990
State government workers
27,235
6,950
Unpaid family workers
947
614
Industries and Occupations
Seattle's leading industries relate to tech, aerospace, clean energy, and healthcare. In contrast, Las Vegas' economy revolves around tourism, conventions, gaming, and entertainment with many workers employed in related occupations.
Seattle and Las Vegas both have quality healthcare systems. In Seattle, residents have access to world-class healthcare facilities such as the University of Washington Medical Center. Las Vegas also has quality hospitals like the Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Seattle offers strong infrastructure including healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Las Vegas has well-developed hospitality infrastructure. However, water management is a concern due to the city's location in a desert region.
Infrastructure
Type
Seattle
Las Vegas
Hospitals
22
39
TV stations
17
12
Arenas or stadiums
5
2
Bank branches located here
236
281
Bank institutions located here
37
34
Main business address for public companies
54
57
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
32
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Seattle
Las Vegas
1999
1,357
2,657
2000
1,148
579
2001
890
371
2002
840
380
2003
1,421
3,590
2004
1,810
5,908
2005
2,341
7,894
2006
2,789
6,914
2007
2,273
3,733
2008
1,113
1,431
2009
748
813
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Seattle is known for its art, music (especially grunge), and a varied, international food scene. Las Vegas is renowned for entertainment, from world-class shows to dining with a multitude of culinary options, lending itself to the city's vibrant nightlife.
Sports Teams
Seattle lovers of professional sports have ample options, including the Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), and recently the Kraken (NHL). Las Vegas, has also recently edged into professional sports with the Golden Knights (NHL) and the relocated Raiders (NFL).
Seattle, WA
Las Vegas, NV
