Nevada is known for its unique features including casinos, the Hoover Dam, and gold mines, all with a beautiful desert backdrop. Whether you prefer the busy city life or hiking the mountain trails, you’re bound to find the perfect home for you here. NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the 10 most affordable cities to help inform your choice.
10 Most Affordable Cities
1. North Las Vegas
- Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.90
- Average Property Tax: $1,518
- Average Property Tax: $1,518
Named after its juxtaposition to Las Vegas, North Las Vegas is the most affordable city in Nevada. With a population of over 250,000 residents, North Las Vegas makes a great home for those wanting to experience big city life without living in Las Vegas proper. In addition to casinos, North Las Vegas is home to many regional parks and historical sites such as Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.
Click here to browse all the cheap homes in Las Vegas.
2. Elko
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.93
Average Property Tax: $1,369
Median Household Income: $79,205
Elko is a northern Nevada city of over 20,000 residents. Bisected by the Humboldt River, Elko is home to many waterside attractions including hot springs. Visit downtown Elko and explore the attractions including art galleries, western museums, and a thriving nightlife.
3. Las Vegas
Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.59
Average Property Tax: $1,681
Median Household Income: $56,354
The famous City of Lights ranks third on our list of most affordable cities. Las Vegas has a world-famous reputation for its casinos, entertainment shows, and grand hotels. There’s more to the city than the lights and glamor, though; check out the golf courses and nature preserves when you need a break from the city life!
4. Fernley
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.52
Average Property Tax: $1,526
Median Household Income: $62,929
Fernley is a city in western Nevada, about 35 miles east of Reno. In northern Fernley, you’ll find casinos, parks, and golf courses. A fan of car racing? If you enjoy the thrill of fast cars, be sure to drop by the Fernley 95A Speedway!
5. Mesquite
Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.26
Average Property Tax: $1,539
Median Household Income: $55,542
Mesquite is located along the Nevada-Arizona border. Like other Nevada cities, Mesquite affords residents panoramic desert views; if you’re the adventurous type and like to hike, lace up your boots and head to the Foothills Trailhead. For more entertainment, try your luck at the casinos, or learn about local history by viewing the exhibits at the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum.
Click here to browse all the cheap homes in Mesquite.
6. Boulder City
Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.64
Average Property Tax: $1,866
Median Household Income: $61,787
Named after Boulder Canyon, Boulder City is located 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The city encompasses notable tourist attractions such as Boulder City Dry Lake Bed and the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum. Folks can also take golf courses, hike endless desert trails, and fish at the local pond.
7. Carson City
Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.91
Average Property Tax: $1,670
Median Household Income: $55,718
The state capital of Nevada lands at the seventh spot on our list of most affordable cities. Downtown Carson City has a lively nightlife and includes a variety of museums such as Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, Nevada State Museum, and Nevada State Railroad Museum. The west side of the city is laced with numerous trails, mountain peaks, and waterfalls, all leading up to the beaches along Lake Tahoe.
8. Henderson
Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.30
Average Property Tax: $2,072
Median Household Income: $74,147
Henderson is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas. You don’t have to drive into the City of Lights to have an enjoyable time; Henderson is home to water parks, botanical gardens, country clubs, and museums. At Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, located at the city’s southern edge, you can ramble along 48,000 acres of trails.
Click here to browse all the cheap homes in Henderson.
9. Sparks
Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.66
Average Property Tax: $1,869
Median Household Income: $64,645
Located just east of Reno, Sparks is a sizable city of over 100,000 residents. From casinos, museums, and parks, there’s something for everyone in Sparks. Spend sunny days fishing at Sparks Marina Park Lake, or hike along the Truckee River Greenbelt.
10. Reno
Home Price to Income Ratio: 5.70
Average Property Tax: $2,077
Median Household Income: $58,790
Reno is known as “The Biggest Little City in the World”, and it’s easy to see why Reno earned this nickname! There’s no shortage of things to do in this city of over 250,000 residents, including parks, museums, casinos, and more. The Riverwalk District is a city highlight; this busy area along the Truckee River has an abundance of restaurants, shops, and entertainment centers, all with spectacular views of the river.
Click here to browse all the cheap homes in Reno.
Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio
While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.
- Elko
- Fernley
- North Las Vegas
Other Nevada Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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