Comparing Austin, Texas, to Las Vegas, Nevada, will help highlight the pros and cons of living or visiting each city. Factors like crime rates, weather conditions, cost of living, and quality of education are important in someone's decision to relocate or visit. Both cities have their unique features, supported by variations in the economy, infrastructure and industries availability. Differences are also evident in local taxation, real estate prices, neighborhoods and types of job opportunities. To gain a broad perspective, it’s pertinent to explore each factor separately for a comprehensive and insightful comparison.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Las Vegas, NV : 1,086.7 miles
Austin's population is larger by 49%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
Austin prevails when we compare crime rates, as it tends to be safer than Las Vegas. Austin's emphasis on community policing, collaboration with residents, and substantial investment in security ensure a safer environment. Tourists in Austin tend to feel safer due to the city's robust safety measures. On the other hand, although Las Vegas has areas with higher crime rates, most tourist-oriented sectors are heavily policed to ensure guest security. However, the city's overall higher crime rate could be a turnoff for potential residents.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 4,787 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Las Vegas is 132 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Austin than in Las Vegas.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Las Vegas is relatively less expensive than Austin. Prices for groceries, healthcare, housing, and transportation are generally lower in Las Vegas. For potential residents, Las Vegas provides a relatively affordable standard of living. Austin's population boom and desirability have largely contributed to its increased cost of living.
Income Tax
Both Texas and Nevada are among the few states with no personal income tax, which is a major draw for many looking to relocate or set up businesses.
Property Tax
Although Texas doesn't impose state property tax, local tax rates can be high. In contrast, Nevada has one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation, making Las Vegas more appealing for property owners.
Sales Tax
Tax-wise, while neither Texas nor Nevada has a state income tax, the sales tax is higher in Las Vegas at 8.25% compared to Austin's 8.15%. For people leaning towards a state with slightly lower taxation, Austin has a small edge.
Income
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $51,400 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Austin, situated in the scenic Texas Hill Country, offers lush landscapes, clear-water rivers, and beautiful hiking trails. On the other hand, Las Vegas is set amidst desert beauty, offering unique attractions like Red Rock Canyon.
Austin's prestigious universities and thriving public school system make it an appealing choice for families prioritizing education. Las Vegas also offers decent education options, but according to national rankings, it is generally perceived as performing slightly below Austin.
In Austin, the job market is robust, with the tech sector being one of the dominant industries. In Las Vegas, tourism and hospitality form the backbone of the economy, providing plentiful job opportunities in those sectors. Both cities have a healthy economy, but Austin’s economy is seen as more diverse.
Biggest Employers
Austin's largest employers include the Texas government, the University of Texas at Austin, Dell, and IBM. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, MGM Grand, Caesars Entertainment and the Clark County School District are the largest employers. These reflect the primary industries and occupations focus in each city.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
2020
71.7%
53.7%
26.5%
44.3%
1.8%
2.0%
2016
65.8%
52.4%
27.2%
41.7%
7.0%
5.8%
2012
60.2%
56.4%
36.2%
41.8%
3.6%
1.8%
2008
63.8%
58.5%
34.4%
39.5%
1.8%
2.0%
2004
56.1%
51.8%
42.1%
46.9%
1.8%
1.3%
2000
41.7%
51.4%
47.0%
44.8%
11.3%
3.8%
1996
52.4%
75.5%
40.0%
18.8%
7.7%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
18.1%
4.5%
4.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
1.6%
22.8%
11.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.1%
2.8%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.1%
0.7%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.4%
2.5%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.2%
2.1%
1.2%
Weather
Weather-wise, Austin, with its humid subtropical climate, offers mild winters and hot, humid summers. In comparison, Las Vegas, located in the Mojave Desert, presents extreme heat in summers but milder winters than Austin. For potential residents or visitors looking for a warmer, dry climate, Las Vegas would be the city to pick.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
76%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
Austin
Las Vegas
2018
76
100
N/A
0.42
4.9
13.1
26.7
37.2
24.4
N/A
8.7
6.0
0.2
0.7
2017
76
101
N/A
0.29
4.6
13.0
29.7
38.5
20.3
N/A
8.3
7.3
0.3
0.8
2016
71
97
N/A
0.38
4.2
11.2
29.5
36.5
20.6
N/A
8.2
8.7
0.2
0.8
2015
78
92
N/A
0.36
4.4
12.4
28.9
35.6
18.9
N/A
8.6
8.4
0.3
1.2
2014
74
91
N/A
0.40
5.2
10.8
28.3
36.5
21.1
N/A
8.7
9.2
0.5
1.4
2013
78
103
0.09
0.45
5.5
9.6
29.5
36.9
22.1
N/A
8.6
8.6
0.5
1.5
2012
86
94
0.13
0.49
5.5
5.9
30.1
38.5
21.5
N/A
8.6
8.3
N/A
1.4
2011
83
85
0.11
0.40
2.6
5.3
33.0
37.5
18.2
N/A
9.1
7.8
N/A
1.2
2010
77
86
0.05
0.50
3.2
5.7
29.4
36.6
16.1
N/A
8.8
7.1
N/A
N/A
2009
76
87
0.05
0.56
2.6
6.0
29.7
33.3
20.9
N/A
9.0
8.3
N/A
N/A
2008
81
82
0.12
0.66
3.2
8.2
30.7
33.0
N/A
N/A
9.7
9.2
N/A
N/A
2007
82
97
0.12
0.61
3.1
11.7
27.1
32.4
N/A
N/A
9.8
8.6
N/A
0.1
2006
89
102
0.14
0.75
3.8
13.4
31.3
32.7
N/A
N/A
10.0
8.3
0.2
0.8
2005
92
100
0.15
0.76
4.4
15.1
29.0
30.2
N/A
N/A
10.7
7.8
0.2
5.3
2004
74
85
0.16
0.71
3.3
16.0
26.8
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2003
85
99
0.26
0.67
4.2
15.9
28.9
29.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
1.0
2002
83
94
0.33
0.73
3.9
15.7
27.2
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
2001
83
95
0.31
0.76
4.2
15.0
25.5
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2000
86
95
0.28
0.88
4.7
14.7
27.8
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
12%
Transportation
Austin, despite increasing investments in public transportation, is still a car-centric city, and rush hour can bring heavy traffic. Las Vegas, due to its compact layout and efficient public transportation system, is relatively easier for commuting.
Transport
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
911
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Bicycle
0.8%
0.1%
Bus
1.5%
2.2%
Carpooled
7.9%
10.3%
Car alone
85.9%
82.7%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Average
29.9 min
26.3 min
Other means
22.7 min
24 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Austin tends to be pricier than in Las Vegas due to high demand. However, the robust economy and job growth make it a promising investment. Las Vegas real estate is comparatively affordable and has been gaining value, making it attractive for prospective residents.
Neighborhoods
While Austin is home to hip and vibrant neighborhoods appealing to creatives and techies alike, Las Vegas offers a mix of quiet suburban neighborhoods and high-energy districts pulsating with nightlife. Both cities offer a variety of living experiences depending on your lifestyle choice.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Houses
469,156
269,602
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.7
Median year apartment built
1997
1991
Median year house/condo built
1988
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$417,434
Median house age
28
27
Renting percentage
54.9%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
2,379.4
House value disparities
28.4%
27.1%
Household income disparities
44.8%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
5,092 (5.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Las Vegas
One, detached
43.1%
61.5%
One, attached
5.2%
5.3%
Two
2.4%
1.3%
3 or 4
4.1%
7.7%
5 to 9
7.2%
8.4%
10 to 19
11.0%
4.8%
20 to 49
8.9%
2.8%
50 or more
17.2%
6.8%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
18,990
State government workers
46,229
6,950
Unpaid family workers
102
614
Industries and Occupations
In Austin, tech, government, education, and healthcare are the major employment sectors. Conversely, in Las Vegas, tourism, gaming, and convention services dominate, offering a range of jobs in these sectors. Thus, where Austin presents a more diversified industrial landscape, Las Vegas leans heavily on entertainment and hospitality.
Finally, in terms of healthcare, both Austin and Las Vegas have quality healthcare facilities. However, Austin is frequently ranked among the top cities for healthcare, which may offer peace of mind for prospective inhabitants with health concerns.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin's infrastructure is quite modern, with significant investments in public places, green spaces, and significant urban development projects. Conversely, though Las Vegas shines in terms of tourist infrastructure, its residential infrastructure can be found lacking when compared to Austin.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Las Vegas
Hospitals
65
39
TV stations
20
12
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
264
281
Bank institutions located here
43
34
Main business address for public companies
44
57
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
32
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Las Vegas
1999
4,733
2,657
2000
2,950
579
2001
2,038
371
2002
1,772
380
2003
2,213
3,590
2004
2,458
5,908
2005
3,121
7,894
2006
3,367
6,914
2007
2,560
3,733
2008
1,747
1,431
2009
1,067
813
Culture and Food
Both Austin and Las Vegas boast rich cultural scenes and epicurean delights. While Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" and famous for its BBQ, Las Vegas is renowned for world-class entertainment and dining, with a vast array of international cuisines.
Sports Teams
Austin is home to Austin FC in Major League Soccer, while Las Vegas hosts the Raiders in the NFL and the Golden Knights in the NHL. The presence of these teams contributes to vibrant, supportive sports cultures in both cities.
Austin, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Austin, TX and 
Las Vegas, NV : 1,086.7 miles
