State Comparison

Arizona vs Nevada

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

10
Arizona
AZ
1 tied
of 16 metrics
5
Nevada
NV

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
AZ: 102.2
NV: 104.2
AZ

Housing

Median Home Price
AZ: $380,000
NV: $420,000
AZ
Median 2BR Rent
AZ: $1,307/mo
NV: $1,415/mo
AZ
Closing Costs
AZ: 2.30%
NV: 2.30%
Tie
Transfer Tax Rate
AZ: 0.00%
NV: 0.25%
AZ

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
AZ: 0.62%
NV: 0.60%
NV
Top Income Tax Rate
AZ: 2.50%
NV: None
NV
Sales Tax Rate
AZ: 5.60%
NV: 6.85%
AZ
Capital Gains Tax Rate
AZ: 2.50%
NV: None
NV

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
AZ: $72,581
NV: $66,274
AZ
Minimum Wage
AZ: $14.70/hr
NV: $12.00/hr
AZ
Max Unemployment Benefit
AZ: $320/wk
NV: $469/wk
NV

Business

LLC Filing Fee
AZ: $50
NV: $75
AZ
LLC Annual Fee
AZ: $0
NV: $200
AZ

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
AZ: $2,120/yr
NV: $2,240/yr
AZ
Avg Home Insurance
AZ: $2,080/yr
NV: $1,470/yr
NV

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Arizona leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $380,000 in Arizona vs $420,000 in Nevada — a $40,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Arizona has a 2.5% top income tax rate while Nevada has no income tax. Property tax rates are 0.62% vs 0.6%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Arizona's index is 102.2 and Nevada's is 104.2 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arizona or Nevada more affordable?

Arizona has a lower cost of living index (102.2) compared to Nevada (104.2), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Arizona or Nevada?

Overall, Nevada has a lower combined tax burden. Arizona has a 2.5% top income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nevada has no income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.6% property tax.

What are housing costs in Arizona vs Nevada?

The median home price in Arizona is $380,000 compared to $420,000 in Nevada. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,307/month in Arizona vs $1,415/month in Nevada.

Which state is better for starting a business — Arizona or Nevada?

LLC filing costs are $50 in Arizona vs $75 in Nevada, with annual fees of $0 and $200 respectively. Arizona's 2.5% top tax rate compared to Nevada's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Arizona to Nevada?

It depends on your priorities. Arizona wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Comparing Arizona and Nevada

When deciding between living in Arizona or Nevada, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Arizona (AZ) has a median household income of $72,581 with a cost of living index of 102.2. Nevada (NV) has a median household income of $66,274 with a cost of living index of 104.2.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Arizona calculator or Nevada calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.