A Living Comparison: Moving from California to Nevada
California is renowned for its beautiful, pristine beaches, spectacular nightlife, shopping malls, exquisite hiking trails, and more! Home to more than 33 million people from all stages of life, many find that apart from the fires, another downside to living here is the cost. This has been a major factor in why many Californians have flocked from The Golden State to other cities. What better place to call home than the neighboring state of Nevada? It is also sunny but not quite as expensive to call home, those who have unfortunately lost their home to the fires in California are close enough to their family members and friends who have opted to stay behind to maintain close relationships.
In this article, we will compare living in California and Nevada and discuss what the right choice for you will look like.
Cost of Living Comparison
Perhaps the most crucial question is–is the state of Nevada cheaper to call home than California? The short answer is yes. Nevada has fewer taxes than California, including just housing but everything from transportation to groceries. Nevada is more affordable than California and doesn’t have insomnia by far, which is perfect for those looking to build their savings if they have lost their home to the fires.
Taxes in Nevada Vs California
The tax laws in Nevada are more simplified than California’s. In California, the state levies taxes based on every income, whether you are a millionaire or an average Joe. This means that residents of California have to pay over 12% in taxes whether they earn millions or not. Nevada operates under a completely different tax system. Nevada provides an excellent opportunity for startups as no individual income tax is more relaxed. Nevada does not impose additional taxes on medicine or food.
Comparing the Landscape
Both states are eye-catching, and the charm of Nevada is undeniable. While you won’t see any Hollywood signs here, you will have the opportunity to explore the expanse of deserts, mountain ranges, canyons, rivers, and lakes. There are many undiscovered caves to explore if you pride yourself a seasoned outdoorsman, as well as plenty of beautiful state parks and serene villages.
Pros and Cons: Nevada Vs. California
Now that we have understood the importance of taxes, the cost of living, and landscapes out of the way, we will cover the pros and cons of living in California versus Nevada, from living and working to exploring the two destinations.
Pros of Living in Nevada
- Nevada lacks a state income tax, allowing residents to save over 12% of their paychecks. This will provide long-term savings and flexibility in finances for investments, future savings, or spending on goods. As a result, a broad range of individuals and families can easily obtain homeownership status.
- Nevada is made up of many beautiful mountain ranges, offering prospective residents plenty of outdoor activity opportunities, from mountain biking to rock climbing. The state has plenty of outstanding national parks to check out as well.
Cons of Living in Nevada
- The educational opportunities are limited and can hurt families with school-aged children. Urban centers like Reno or Las Vegas provide plenty of academic resources.
- The months of May through October see extreme temperatures that reach 100+ degrees, particularly between June and August.
- The cultural diversity is limited compared to different states, meaning that there is less exposure to different cultures.
Pros of Living in California
- There are plenty of cultural attractions that include a wide variety of arts and heritage scenes. There are world-class museums and plenty of opportunities to tour historic landmarks that provide insight into the area’s past.
- The climate is mild and features more comfortable temperatures year-round, with warmer summers and very mild winters. The temperature allows for early outdoor activities, from beach outings to hiking year-round. Because there are no extreme climates, energy costs are reduced.
Cons of Living in California
- The cost of living in California is high, especially in metropolitan areas. Housing costs are therefore challenging for residents, leading to issues of affordability and homelessness in many areas.
- Traffic is very congested in urbanized areas, with heavy traffic and limited public transport options in cities leading to high highway crowds and stress for residents.
- Crime rates in California will vary by city, but heavily urbanized areas see more crime than not. Additionally, the rate of property crime, like burglary and theft, is high.
Bottom Line
Relocating from California to Nevada has many benefits. From a lower cost of living to no state income tax, the scenery sees less cultural diversity. As with moving anywhere, there are some drawbacks, like limited educational options, less cultural diversity, and higher temperatures than seen in California. It is always important to consider preferences and priorities when drawing comparisons between living in California versus Nevada.