Moving to Nevada: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking of moving to Nevada? You’re not alone. The Silver State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Las Vegas or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Nevada has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.

We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Nevada so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.

Jump to the Nevada information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to NV
Top car shippers to NV
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Nevada

Like any big move, relocating to Nevada comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Silver State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in Nevada

✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Great climate
✓Entertainment
✓Clean air
✓Individualistic culture

Cons of living in Nevada

✖Extreme heat
✖High cost of living
✖Poor education
✖High crime rate
✖Sparsely populated

Things to do in Nevada

No matter why you’re heading to Nevada—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Nevada is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.

These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.

Popular Attractions in Nevada

Las Vegas Strip
National Automobile Museum
Las Vegas Bellagio Fountains
Fremont Street Experience
Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon Tours
Lake Tahoe
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Great Basin National Park
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Museums in Nevada

National Automobile Museum
Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection
The Mob Museum
Nevada State Museum
The Washoe Club Haunted Museum
Virgin Valley Heritage Museum
Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum
Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery
Clark County Heritage Museum
The Artifact Exhibition

Parks in Nevada

Hemenway Park
Kahle Park and Community Center
Aliante Nature Discovery Park
Sparks Marina Park
Great Basin National Park
Mesquite Welcome Center in Nevada
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Springs Preserve
Lampe Park (County Park)
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Fun facts about Nevada

Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.

Learning these fun facts about Nevada reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.

A drilling accident in 1916 unintentionally burst open a below-ground geothermal vein. The result is a 5-foot by 25-foot (at the base) spout known as Fly Geyser. It’s on private land about 20 miles north of the town of Gerlach.
Brad Snyder, a Reno-born swimmer on the United States Paralympic team, has a watch named after him – “The Bradley Timepiece.” The watch was built for use by blind people.
The name of the state, Nevada, is an old Spanish word meaning “snow-covered.” That appellation refers to the white-topped Sierra Nevada Mountains, which inspired early settlers to name the place after one of the area’s most beautiful sights.
“Way out in the land of the setting sun,” is the first line of a song written by Bertha Rafetto in 1932. In 1933, the Nevada State Legislature adopted Bertha’s song, entitled “Home Means Nevada” as the official state song.
Jacob Davis is known all over the world for one of his inventions, though his name is known only to a few people. Mr. Davis was a tailor who created the first pair of blue jeans in his small shop in Reno, Nevada. Levi Strauss is credited as co-inventor, and the year was 1873.
A total of 44 U.S. states have state lotteries. Only six states don’t have one. Nevada is one of those six. The other five include Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, Mississippi, and Alabama.
A Civil War officer killed during the Battle of South Mountain is little known except for the fact that part of his name, Major General Jesse Lee Reno, was given to a city in northern Nevada. Reno, Nevada; Reno County, Kansas; El Reno, Oklahoma; Reno, Pennsylvania; Fort Reno (Oklahoma); and Fort Reno Park in Washington, D.C. were named after him.

Nevada population and demographics

Planning a move to Nevada? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Silver State is truly all about—not just the stats.

Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.

Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.

Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Nevada can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.

Metric	Nevada
Population	3,194,176
Female	49.7%
Male	50.3%
College graduation rate	27.57%
Political leaning	Democratic 50.6-47.5
Crime index	28.34

Nevada weather

Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Nevada is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.

Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Nevada’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.

Metric	Nevada
Summer high	96ºF
Winter low	27ºF
Annual rain	8″
Annual snow	22″

Income and cost of living in Nevada

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Nevada.

For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.

The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Nevada and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($27.9 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($25.4 billion)
Professional and business services ($19 billion)
Retail trade ($11.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($11.3 billion)
Finance and insurance ($9.2 billion)
Construction ($8.6 billion)
Manufacturing ($7.9 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($7.9 billion)
Wholesale trade ($7 billion)

Metric	Nevada
Average rent cost	$1,382
Average home cost	$442,185
Average income (per capita)	$71,646
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	5.7%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	0.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Nevada

If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.

If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Nevada is definitely worth a look.

Here are some of the top schools in Nevada:

University of Nevada, Reno
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
College of Southern Nevada
Sierra Nevada University
Great Basin College
Western Nevada College
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Nevada State College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Nevada

We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 33 right here in Nevada, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Silver State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Nevada

Before making your move to Nevada, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.

Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Nevada

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Nevada.

Nevada car insurance requirements

Nevada law requires drivers to have minimum liability insurance. This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. This ensures drivers are financially responsible in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.

Nevada drivers license requirements

New residents in Nevada must go to a DMV office and apply for a driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Nevada?

Moving to Nevada is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Nevada is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Nevada?

On the cost of living index, Nevada has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Nevada?

The average income in NV is $71,646, and the an unemployment rate is 5.7. Home prices are $442,185, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,382.

What is the downside of living in Nevada?

Like any place, Nevada has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Silver State include:

Extreme heat
High cost of living
Poor education
High crime rate
Sparsely populated

Nevada Moving Resources

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