Your Guide to Moving San Diego to Las Vegas, NV
Californians love Nevada. In 2020, 20 percent of Nevada residents hailed from California, and 100,000 people relocated from the Golden State to Nevada in 2019. With a lower cost of living than San Diego, a burgeoning job market and plenty to see and do, this state offers exciting opportunities to native San Diegans. Thinking about moving from San Diego to Vegas? Check out these 10 essential pieces of information to help you plan.
You will save money on essentials
As one of the most expensive cities in the United States, there are few places more costly than San Diego. In fact, cost of living is one of the driving factors behind many Californians’ decision to relocate to Nevada. Here is a look at some of the most noteworthy facts regarding San Diego’s cost of living.
Overall: 160.4 percent of U.S. average
Housing: 278.4 percent of U.S. average
Transportation: 120.2 percent of U.S. average
In comparison, Las Vegas, while still slightly more expensive than the national average, is significantly more affordable. Here is a look at some of this city’s cost of living features:
Overall: 111 percent of U.S. average
Housing: 114.5 percent of U.S. average
Healthcare: 93 percent of U.S. average
Of course, wages are slightly lower in Las Vegas to account for this dip in expenses. However, while you will make, on average, $9,000 less a year, chances are you will save much more than that in more affordable prices. That means you can enjoy a quality of life that may be unachievable in your current locale.
A diverse job market is at your fingertips
Nevada in general, and Las Vegas in particular, are known for gambling, casinos, and the adult entertainment industry. However, with an employment rate that grew 6 percent in 2022, Nevada offers a job market that is much more diverse than its reputation would imply.
While job growth is not quite as dramatic in Las Vegas, the city still experiences a healthy expansion of its employment options each year. And, with many industries from which to choose, finding a job in your preferred field is very likely when moving from San Diego to Las Vegas. Here are some of the industries that thrive in Nevada:
- Construction
- Entertainment
- Manufacturing
- Professional & Business Services
- Hospitality
- Retail
Finding housing should be easier in Las Vegas
Housing is significantly less expensive in Nevada than in San Diego. Plus, while the housing market is somewhat competitive, it is much less demanding than in San Diego. Homes generally take longer to sell, and often sell for below the list price.
That means you should face fewer logistical and financial obstacles to owning your own home in Las Vegas. When moving from San Diego to Las Vegas, however, you may want to consider finding a reliable real estate agent in the area to help you navigate the paperwork, possibilities and overall process of finding the right house for your needs.
The summer weather is HOT
As a resident of San Diego, you are probably accustomed to the generally pleasant year-round temperatures that city offers. With average highs below 80 and average lows around 50, you enjoy almost perfect weather.
Nevada in general, and Las Vegas in particular, will present you with mild weather compared to many other areas of the country. However, the heat of summer may present a challenge as you adjust to your new home.
Summer highs routinely get above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. From May to September, you can expect to experience highs that are regularly above 90. While air conditioning and swimming are central to the area’s way of life during these months, you should be prepared for the potential adjustment the new climate will require.
The traffic will be familiar
San Diego is known for periods of intense traffic, as 76 percent of the city’s people use vehicles to get around. Moving from San Diego to Las Vegas may change your location, but it will not change the traffic with which you must contend.
Las Vegas congestion is 22nd in the nation, and drivers spend an average of 41 hours a year waiting in traffic.
If you are planning to move between these two cities, however, you should be aware that purchasing a home can also be a competitive experience in Las Vegas. Planning your routes around the city, and taking into account special events, such as conventions, can help you travel more efficiently around your new home.
Look forward to world-class entertainment
Of course, Las Vegas will differ from San Diego in the extent and type of entertainment it offers. While downtown San Diego has its fair share of bars, clubs and excitement, Las Vegas takes entertainment to a new level.
Known as the “ Entertainment Capital Of The World,” the area is known primarily for its gambling focus. Casinos offer upscale gambling across a variety of games, while slot machines are widely available in other locations throughout the city. If you enjoy excitement and adventure during a day or night out, you can also look forward to the following opportunities in your new home:
- Shopping
- Dining
- Concerts
- Conventions
- Sports events
- Circuses
- Musicals
- Stand up comedy
- And more
You may need to compromise on education
What Las Vegas offers in terms of entertainment and cost of living it does not offer in educational excellence. San Diego is known for its top-notch public school system. Las Vegas, while providing some educational advantages, ranks near the bottom of the state’s school systems.
As a result, if you are moving to Las Vegas from San Diego, you should explore the educational choices you have available to you. You may need to do some in depth research to find a school that meets your expectations for academically preparing your child or children for the future.
Indulge your love of the outdoors
While Las Vegas is known primarily for the bustling downtown area, the city also offers many opportunities to explore the outdoors. Hike, bike, kayak, rock climb and even jump off cliffs. Outdoor adventure is available in abundance. Here is a look at some of the natural areas you should explore in your new home:
- Springs Preserve
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
- Lake Mead
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Red Rock Canyon
- Death Valley National Park
The city is also about 2 and a half hours from the Grand Canyon, putting one of the wonders of the natural world within easy driving distance of your new home.
Be surprised by the city’s abundant cultural attractions
Most people focus on Las Vegas’ casinos, gambling, hotels and adult entertainment. However, the city is also home to many cultural attractions and museums that can enrich your life and fascinate your mind. Here are just a few of the options you have to explore when you relocate.
- The Neon Museum
- Madame Tussauds
- Natural History Museum
- Smith Center for the Performing Arts
- Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
- Atomic Museum
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Aquarium
You should invest in a reliable mover
When moving from San Diego to Las Vegas, you need your move to be successful. That means finding residential long distance movers who can relocate you with excellence. When you hire professional San Diego movers, you get the opportunity to benefit from years of experience, an honest and transparent way of doing business and local expertise that makes it easy to complete your relocation.
Not only can you trust us to move your belongings to your new home, but you can trust us to provide the services you need, such as storage relocation and specialty moving. Ready to choose downtown San Diego movers? Then you are ready to call Oakley for a free quote on your next relocation.
