Author Topic: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest  (Read 5818 times)

jbow808

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Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« on: March 21, 2015, 11:32:57 AM »
Been looking at a couple online forums about cost of living in Vegas, but can't seem to get a real good feel for what to expect. So I figure I'd reach out to my bad ass friends here.

I just received a job offer with a base salary of $63,000 with a total take home of $75,000 (includes military pension) for a family of 5. My wife plans returning to work, but is concerned about daycare cost for our 1 year old, the cheapest option we've seen is around 800 for full time care.

We live modestly, like to take vacations every couple years and enjoying dining out every once in a while. Our lifestyle kind of revolves around kids activities and strive to live in a bad ass way by doing a lot of DIY projects..

In comparison to our current location (small town - Midwest), Vegas is very fast paced and materialistic, based on our impressions from our last visit, but of course we stayed on the strip and never ventured further than that except to have dinner with friends. We don't like have to keep up with the Jone's and Smiths. 

However, Vegas is a big draw because we have lots of friends who we grew up with living there and are tired of small town USA living. Hell the nearest Costco is 2 hours away from where we live now.

Our housing requirements are very modest, we're looking for a 3-4 bedroom that will allow our beloved lab to stay with us. We've budgeted 1000 -1205 for a rental (based on internet searches), until we pull the trigger to buy. Schools are the primary driver for our housing search as we have on child who will be a junior in High School and another starting Middle School when the new school year starts.

We've also heard horror story's about utilities. One friend told me about his $600 electricity bill his first summer in his new home and another told me about her neighbors $350 water bill, insane! Of course I know this is the not the norm. What should we be expecting and budgeting for utility wise? Also having never lived in an area where I had options for internet who is the best and cheapest high speed provider? Basic cable that includes AMC for Walking Dead and ESPN to watch college football would be nice, but isn't totally necessary.

Based on gasbuddy, gas prices are about $0.50 more expensive, so I expect to have to budget more for gas. Car insurance should also be higher. We use USAA and don't plan on changing anytime soon.

I'm not too sure how food cost compare, we pay anywhere from 3.59 to 4.29 for a gallon of milk. We also have access to Nellis AFB (I'm retired military) so that may make our weekly grocery tab a little lighter on the pocket book. Having more food options than the local Wal-mart and the mom and pop grocery store will be a huge plus.

I know a lot of family's get by on a lot less. But any advice we could get would be awesome.
« Last Edit: March 21, 2015, 11:39:51 AM by jbow808 »

Cassie

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2015, 12:50:45 PM »
I came to NV from the Midwest & found food, gas & housing to be more expensive in general.  Air conditioning bills may be expensive in VEgas in summer but then in Winter your utilities should be cheap.  Others that live in VEgas can offer better answers I am sure.

Syonyk

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2015, 02:21:41 PM »
Are you planning to live in Vegas proper, or just the general area?  Henderson seems fairly nice, and the few people I know there like it and think it's cheap, but they also moved from Southern California, so... still probably expensive compared to the midwest.

The awesome thing about Vegas is that the dry heat means you can be outside more even when it's "hot" by midwest standards.  Though be aware that most people will think you're insane and doing something dangerous by walking around in the morning out there.

When you do move, drink a LOT of water.  Seriously.  A gallon jug of water a day (on top of whatever other water you consume with food and in other drinks) is a good starting point until you figure out what you need.  If you're completely exhausted all the time, you're badly dehydrated.  This was something my wife & I tried to drill into people in Albuquerque, and some listened, some not so much.  The ones who refused to drink a lot of water never had the energy to do anything.

The only possible problem out there is that Lake Mead is draining quickly, so you may want to factor that in - if it empties out, Vegas doesn't have water.  If you're buying, consider somewhere you can re-plumb for grey water use and generally efficient water use.  If you don't have a huge green lawn and a swimming pool, your water bills shouldn't be that nuts.  Though a swamp cooler might bump them up a bit.

Villanelle

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2015, 02:34:37 PM »
My parents live out near Summerling  It was a huge COLA cut for them, but they were coming from SoCal.

The areas close to Nellis are, in general, kind of junky.  Out near Summerlin, which is close to the gorgeous Red Rock park is much nicer, though in some ways it might be too nice, as some, but not all, neighborhoods are giant McMansions.  The drive to Nellis would be about 45 minutes from that end of the world, so it might be good for monthly shopping, not not weekly. 

While the strip is, of course, crazy, suburban Vegas (or the greater Vegas area) is completely different.  To me, it's like any other suburbia, and once you get about 15 minutes away from the Strip, you have no idea you are in proximity of all that is Vegas.

Once you buy, rip at any yard (and generally get a rebate for doing so).  Also, depending on the size of the house, look for something with dual zone A/C so you can only cool the areas you are using (living during the day, bedrooms at night).  Also, look for  exceptionally well-insulatd places.

Since you mentioned travel, keep in mind that there are Space A options out of Nellis.  As retired military, you'd be eligible. 

jbow808

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2015, 03:29:47 PM »
Thanks for the info so far.

NV Teacher

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2015, 05:06:15 PM »
I'd suggest that you look for housing that is somewhat close to your job.  Depending on the time of day, using the freeway to get across town can be a nightmare.  Also looking at the schools is important.  If you go to ccsd.net you can look at reports on each school that will tell you about attendance rates, graduation rates, suspensions/expulsions, teacher turnover rates, etc. 

jbow808

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2015, 07:33:35 PM »
Since my job isn't in Vegas proper (I'll be in Beatty, NV), my commute isn't too big an issue since I'm away from home 3 nights a week.

Schools are the bigger issue and the key driver in our housing search.

Thanks for othe input

WYOGO

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2015, 10:20:12 AM »
You will come out ahead on the lack of personal income tax in Nevada alone on that income level as long as you are not considering South Dakota the midwest. Las Vegas is affordable and a great alternative to SoCal. Vehicle registration fees and licensure is atrocious, all else is very reasonable for a state with zero income tax burden. It ranks third or fourth behind Wyoming, Alaska and South Dakota for lowest over tax burden. Welcome to an amazing place to live and play...

Dibbels81

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #8 on: March 22, 2015, 04:14:22 PM »
Las Vegas is a great place to live if you're willing to make an effort and don't mind the heat.  Cost of living is very reasonable.  I live in the 1350 square foot home with a roommate--the monthly total average for utilities last year was $107 for power, 33 for gas, 21 for water, 30 for sewer/trash, and 65 for internet.  I live in the southwest portion of town, which is very nice (close to Red Rock Canyon), but I would recommend Henderson as a good place for a family, with the new waterpark (Cowabunga Bay), the Wetlands Park, and some great biking trails.  $1200 a month would probably get you a modest 3 bed, 2 bath house with around 1500 square feet. 

nodomo

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2015, 03:21:25 AM »
Vegas has many food & grocery options that target cost conscious families. If you shop around, you should be able to keep your grocery bills low.  It does get hot in the summer, but you can manage your utility bills if you are smart about things like keeping blinds/curtains down to minimize sunlight entry, changing filters to keep the AC running efficiently, and managing the thermostat (eg, in a 2-story home with 2 thermostats).  There is a lot to do for families outside the strip and the seasons are great -- fall & spring.

Btw, I sent you a PM regarding housing.

antdunh

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2015, 05:31:07 AM »
Lived in Summerlin for a few years. In-laws retired in Henderson. It was cheaper to live than the NE but with only the in laws living there and very poorly ranked school systems Vegas was not the place for us. Also, it was too transient for us, the community aspect was too different from what we were looking for, so we had our fun then moved back to be with the rest of our family. While COL is higher, we are much happier raising our kids in excellent school systems with our extended family close by. Yes, do be mindful of your thermostat in the summer and you can do outside activities until about 100-105, anything above that breaks the whole "dry heat" thing it was 122 for about two weeks in july the year we left. The city stunk of melting plastic and rubber. Not trying to bad mouth it, there are just my experiences from living there.
Good Luck!

KungfuRabbit

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Re: Las Vegas Cost of Living - Moving from small town in MidWest
« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2015, 06:02:56 AM »
I've spent a good chunk of life in Vegas. You working at nellis?  The housing is struggling there since casinos are not doing good right now. You should find a great deal

For water if you have a grass lawn please shave off your mustache and then face punch yourself. Hard.  Dessert landscaping can be very beautiful, and needs no water.

 Nothing you can do about the ac bill though, buy a small energy efficient house and train your body to like heat. My grandparents keep te house at 80.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!