TL;DR: Retiring in Las Vegas is increasingly popular for its tax benefits, affordable housing, and vibrant lifestyle. However, extreme summer heat, variable healthcare access, and limited public transit are key drawbacks. This guide explores practical, financial, and lifestyle factors to help retirees decide if Las Vegas is the right fit.
Main points:
- No tax on Social Security, pensions, or retirement income.
- Homes are affordable with low property and no personal property tax.
- Daily costs like groceries and gas are budget-friendly.
- Healthcare access is improving; review Medicare options.
- Sunny weather year-round, but summers are very hot.
- Entertainment, outdoor activities, and social events are abundant.
- Tourist traffic, extreme heat, and limited transit can be drawbacks.
- Choose communities based on lifestyle, health, and budget.
- Consult a financial planner to personalize your retirement plan.
Las Vegas has long been known for its bright lights and entertainment, but it's also becoming a top choice for retirees looking for a fresh start. Relocating to Las Vegas for retirement is attractive for a few reasons.
Many consider retiring in Las Vegas after their working years because it offers a balance of affordability, lifestyle, and financial benefits. Before making the move, though, it’s important to evaluate whether this city is the right fit for your retirement plans. This guide covers the practical and financial factors you’ll want to think through, including the pros and cons of retiring in Las Vegas.
Is Las Vegas a Good Place to Retire?
When you ask if Las Vegas is a good place to retire, you’ll get different answers from different people. Around 15.6% of city residents are aged 65 and older, slightly below the national average but growing rapidly.
By 2030, retirees are projected to make up 19% of Las Vegas’s population, well above the national 12.6% average. Before making the decision to retire in the desert, it’s important to look beyond lifestyle perks. Relocating to Las Vegas brings specific financial benefits but also requires careful planning.
You should think about your lifestyle and what you want. Are you relocating with a spouse or are you retiring single? Do you want a quiet life or an adventurous one?
Taxes and Retirement income
Nevada has no state income tax. Nevada, and by extension Las Vegas, is known as a tax-friendly place because of this. This means:
- No tax on Social Security income
- No state tax on pension payouts, 401ks, or IRAs
- No estate or inheritance taxes
For many retirees, this creates immediate savings, especially compared to states like California or New York. Moving to Las Vegas for retirement seem enticing.
Housing Affordability
Las Vegas home prices are generally below the national average. Retirees benefit from:
- A wide range of prices in age-restricted communities
- Property tax rates that are relatively low
- No tax on personal property like vehicles
Still, moving and relocating to a new area is a big decision. If you want to downsize or have a new experience relocating may be worth it.
Healthcare Access and Insurance
Rising healthcare costs is a major concern for retirees as they’ll need them as they get older. If you have pre-existing health conditions, you need to consider that. Las Vegas is improving its healthcare network, but it’s important to:
- Review your Medicare coverage and confirm in-network providers
- Look into supplemental plans specific to Nevada
- Consider proximity to major hospitals if long-term care is a concern
Of course, as you get older, you won’t know what health scares and emergencies can arise. Take that into consideration if you want to relocate to Las Vegas for retirement.
Cost of Living
Daily expenses like groceries, gas, and utilities are close to or slightly below national averages. The area is especially budget-friendly compared to large metro areas in the West. You can find some affordable planned communities, but more upscale units can be on the pricy side. You’ll need to think about the amenities you truly need.
Retiring in Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
If you want to retire in Las Vegas, the pros and cons may shock you. There’s a lot to consider when it boils down to your ideal retirement plan and objectives.
Many people think about retiring in Las Vegas because of the weather, cost, and lifestyle. But like any place, it has good and bad points. Knowing both helps you make a smart choice.
Pros of Retiring in Las Vegas
These are some of the pros:
1. No State Income Tax
Nevada does not tax personal income. This includes Social Security, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals. You get to keep more of your money, which helps your savings last longer. Retirement taxes in Nevada can present some opportunities for saving and perhaps even stretching your dollar.
2. Affordable Housing Options
Las Vegas homes cost less than homes in places like California or the East Coast. Many 55+ communities offer lower prices and low-maintenance living. Some neighborhoods even include club access, pools, and fitness centers without breaking the bank.
3. Warm, Dry Climate
The city enjoys over 300 sunny days a year. Winters are mild, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. There’s little rain and almost no snow. If you want to avoid harsh winters, this weather is a big plus.
4. Plenty to Do
Las Vegas offers endless entertainment. Retirees can enjoy live music, theater, museums, and top restaurants. Outdoor lovers can hike in Red Rock Canyon, golf, or visit nearby national parks. Social options are everywhere, from senior clubs to community events.
5. Large and Active Retiree Community
More retirees move here each year. Many 55+ communities host events, classes, and group outings. You’ll find it easy to make friends, stay social, and feel supported.
Cons of Retiring in Las Vegas
These are some of the cons:
1. Extremely Hot Summers
From June to August, temperatures often rise above 110°F. The heat can be intense and dangerous for some people, especially those with health issues. Many residents stay indoors during these months or rely heavily on air conditioning.
2. Tourist Crowds and Traffic
The Strip and nearby areas attract millions of visitors each year. That brings noise, crowds, and traffic—especially on weekends and holidays. If you live near tourist spots, this can affect your daily routine.
3. Limited Public Transportation
Las Vegas has buses but lacks a full public transit system. Many retirees find they still need to drive, especially for medical appointments or errands. This may be a problem later in retirement.
4. Healthcare Access Can Vary
Las Vegas continues to grow its healthcare system. Still, access depends on your location and insurance plan. In some areas, finding a specialist may take time. Long-term care and advanced treatments may require travel to another part of town.
What’s the Best Place to Live in Las Vegas for Retirees?
The best place to live in Las Vegas for retirees depends on your personal goals, health needs, and lifestyle preferences. Some retirees want quiet neighborhoods with easy access to healthcare. Others may prioritize social communities with golf, dining, and fitness options.
Your budget, proximity to family, and desire for low-maintenance living also play a role. While there are many retirement communities, not every option fits every retiree’s priorities. What works well for one person may not be right for someone else.
That’s why it helps to speak with a local financial planner. A financial expert can show how relocating to Las Vegas might impact your retirement income, tax exposure, estate plan, and long-term care needs.
Plan for Your Future—Not Someone Else’s
Your retirement plan should be a cookie-cutter template. With the right guidance, you can make choices that match both your financial goals and the lifestyle you want in retirement. Hire an experienced financial planner in Las Vegas to help you evaluate the move and create a retirement plan that fits.
Stewart Willis is the founder and president of Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax, a financial planning firm in Phoenix, Arizona. Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.
The commentary on this blog reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Stewart Willis, providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”), an SEC registered investment adviser or performance returns of any Foundations client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal or tax advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Personal investment advice can only be rendered after the engagement of Foundations for services, execution of required documentation, including receipt of required disclosures. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Foundations manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources that Foundations deems reliable but in no way does Foundations guarantee the accuracy or completeness. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any past performance is no guarantee of future results. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Foundations and its advisors are properly licensed or exempted. For more information, please go to https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search by our firm name or by our CRD # 175083.
