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Phoenix vs Las Vegas: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Las Vegas is 9% safer. Phoenix has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Phoenix population: 1,665,481. Las Vegas population: 679,817.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingTie
SafetyLas Vegas
WeatherPhoenix
HousingLas Vegas

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Phoenix vs Las Vegas

CategoryPhoenixLas Vegas
Overall Index105105
Housing$2,314/moIndex: 130$2,278/moIndex: 128
Groceries$410/moIndex: 100$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$357/moIndex: 102$357/moIndex: 102
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$231/moIndex: 105$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Phoenix vs Las Vegas

Las Vegas is 9% safer overall, with a crime rate of 34 per 1,000 residents vs Phoenix's 37.5. Las Vegas earns a D+ safety grade compared to Phoenix's D. Based on 2023 FBI data.

D

Phoenix

Arizona

Overall GradeD
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeD
Crime Rate37.5/1K
TrendStable
D+

Las Vegas

Nevada

Overall GradeD+
Violent CrimeC-
Property CrimeC-
Crime Rate34/1K
TrendImproving
MetricPhoenixLas Vegas
Overall Crime Rate37.5/1K34/1K
Violent Crime Rate550.0600.0
Property Crime Rate3200.02800.0
Murder Rate8.09.2
Assault Rate436.3461.8
Robbery Rate120.279.7
Burglary Rate411.7422.6
Theft Rate2759.42154.0
Vehicle Theft Rate680.5565.6

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Phoenix, you have a 1 in 27 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 29 in Las Vegas.

Climate: Phoenix vs Las Vegas

Phoenix Climate Overview

Annual High86.8°F
Annual Low62.4°F
Annual Rain7.3"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months6
Best MonthApril
Worst MonthJuly
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarmHot

Las Vegas Climate Overview

Annual High80.9°F
Annual Low57°F
Annual Rain4.6"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthOctober
Worst MonthJuly
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortableWarmHot

Monthly Temperature Comparison

PhoenixLas VegasHigh/Low °F range
40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricPhoenixLas Vegas
Avg Annual High86.8°F80.9°F
Avg Annual Low62.4°F57°F
Annual Rain7.3"4.6"
Annual SnowNoneNone
Comfortable Months65
Freezing Months00

Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Las Vegas is 6°F colder in winter than Phoenix. Phoenix has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix cheaper than Las Vegas?
Phoenix and Las Vegas have very similar costs of living (index 105 vs 105, where 100 is the national average). Day-to-day expenses are comparable in both cities.
Is Phoenix safer than Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is 9% safer overall, with a crime rate of 34 per 1,000 residents vs Phoenix's 37.5. Las Vegas earns a D+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Phoenix is 5.8999999999999915°F warmer on average as Las Vegas. Phoenix has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Neither city gets significant snow.
Should I move to Phoenix or Las Vegas?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas is safer (D+ grade). Phoenix is more affordable (index 105 vs 105). Phoenix has better year-round weather. Phoenix has a population of 1,665,481 and Las Vegas has 679,817. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Phoenix compared to Las Vegas?
Phoenix has a population of 1,665,481 and Las Vegas has 679,817. Phoenix is 145% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Phoenix or Las Vegas?
Housing is cheaper in Las Vegas. Estimated monthly housing costs: Phoenix $2,314/mo vs Las Vegas $2,278/mo. That's based on a housing index of 130 vs 128 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

D
Phoenix Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
D+
Las Vegas Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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.

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