Las Vegas vs Reno: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Reno is 5% more expensive than Las Vegas. Reno is 35% safer. Las Vegas population: 679,817. Reno population: 283,621.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Las Vegas vs Reno
Las Vegas is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 110 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 5 index points.
| Category | Las Vegas | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 105 | 110 |
| Housing | $2,278/moIndex: 128 | $2,581/moIndex: 145 |
| Groceries | $418/moIndex: 102 | $418/moIndex: 102 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $357/moIndex: 102 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $216/moIndex: 98 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Las Vegas vs Reno
Reno is 35% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.2 per 1,000 residents vs Las Vegas's 34. Reno earns a B- safety grade compared to Las Vegas's D+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Las Vegas
Nevada
Reno
Nevada
| Metric | Las Vegas | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 34/1K | 22.2/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 600.0 | 365.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2800.0 | 1853.3 |
| Murder Rate | 9.2 | 7.0 |
| Assault Rate | 461.8 | 277.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 79.7 | 80.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 422.6 | 334.7 |
| Theft Rate | 2154.0 | 1351.4 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 565.6 | 457.9 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Las Vegas, you have a 1 in 29 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 45 in Reno.
Climate Comparison
Climate data is only available for Las Vegas. A full comparison requires both cities.
Las Vegas Climate Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Vegas cheaper than Reno?
Is Las Vegas safer than Reno?
Should I move to Las Vegas or Reno?
How big is Las Vegas compared to Reno?
Is housing cheaper in Las Vegas or Reno?
Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities