Jacksonville in Florida and Las Vegas in Nevada share similarities but also offer unique experiences. From the lush landscapes of Jacksonville to the bustling nightlife of Las Vegas, both cities are a mecca for tourists, but they also present diverse opportunities for those looking to settle down. Economic factors, outdoor activities, climate, crime rates, education, and healthcare all play a role in making a choice between the two. Understandably, the decision will often come down to personal preference, lifestyle, and professional needs.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Las Vegas, NV : 1,970.8 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 48%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
Crime rates are a significant factor when considering relocation or just for visitor safety. As per the most recent data from the FBI, the crime rates in Las Vegas are somewhat higher than the national average, particularly for property crimes. On the contrary, Jacksonville's crime statistics show a comparatively lower crime rate, but it is still above the national average. While these statistics help inform potential residents, it's crucial to remember that crime can vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood within each city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living between the two cities is relatively comparable overall, with the cost of living in Las Vegas being slightly higher. Jacksonville's housing costs are lower than in Las Vegas which also contributes to a generally lower cost of living. Both cities have certain areas that are more upscale and pricey, and some areas are more affordable.
Income Tax
Neither state levies a personal income tax. Both Nevada and Florida are among the seven U.S. states that do not require residents to pay an income tax.
Property Tax
As per the latest data, property taxes in Jacksonville averaged around 0.9% of the property's assessed fair market value, slightly lower than the national average. On the other hand, the average property tax in Las Vegas is around 0.69% of a property's assessed fair market value.
Sales Tax
Florida's state sales tax is 6%, while Jacksonville's combined sales tax rate is 7%. Nevada's state sales tax is 4.6%, but with local taxes, the combined sales tax rate in Las Vegas becomes 8.375%. Therefore, taxes on goods and services are lower in Jacksonville.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $56,116 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Jacksonville boasts beautiful beaches, parks, and the expansive St. Johns River, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Conversely, Las Vegas is located in a desert region but is in proximity to various national parks and outdoor attractions.
Education options for families are ample in both cities. Las Vegas is home to Clark County School District, which is among the largest school districts in the US. Jacksonville is the base for Duval County Public Schools, offering several top-rated schools. Both cities have a variety of private and public schools, providing many options for families. They also host renowned universities and post-secondary institutions.
Both cities have strong economies with numerous job opportunities. Jacksonville's economy is diverse, with robust healthcare, financial services, and logistics sectors. Las Vegas, known for its entertainment and gaming industry, also has a burgeoning tech sector. Despite the economic hit from the Covid-19 pandemic, both cities have shown a profound ability to recover and continue to present promising economic growth.
Biggest Employers
Las Vegas' biggest employers tend to be in the casino, hospitality, and entertainment industry, with MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment topping the list. In Jacksonville, major employers include the Naval Air Station, Mayo Clinic, and Bank of America.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% 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
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
2020
51.3%
53.7%
47.5%
44.3%
1.2%
2.0%
2016
47.2%
52.4%
48.6%
41.7%
4.2%
5.8%
2012
47.9%
56.4%
51.5%
41.8%
0.6%
1.8%
2008
49.0%
58.5%
51.0%
39.5%
0.0%
2.0%
2004
41.7%
51.8%
57.9%
46.9%
0.3%
1.3%
2000
40.9%
51.4%
57.7%
44.8%
1.4%
3.8%
1996
44.2%
75.5%
50.0%
18.8%
5.8%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
1.6%
22.3%
11.2%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
18.1%
2.8%
4.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.1%
2.3%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.1%
0.6%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
1.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.2%
1.4%
1.6%
Weather
The comparison in terms of weather could not offer a starker contrast. Jacksonville boasts a subtropical climate, allowing for hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Conversely, Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert, leading to hot summers but much cooler winters. Las Vegas' arid climate means it sees less precipitation, making it a big selling point for those averse to heavy rainfall typical in Jacksonville.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
76%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
2018
78
100
N/A
0.42
13.1
N/A
24.5
37.2
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
7.1
6.0
N/A
0.7
2017
74
101
N/A
0.29
13.0
N/A
24.7
38.5
N/A
N/A
20.3
N/A
5.8
7.3
0.7
0.8
2016
65
97
0.50
0.38
11.2
N/A
24.9
36.5
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
5.2
8.7
0.4
0.8
2015
63
92
0.35
0.36
12.4
N/A
25.4
35.6
N/A
N/A
18.9
N/A
4.9
8.4
0.3
1.2
2014
66
91
0.27
0.40
10.8
N/A
24.3
36.5
N/A
N/A
21.1
N/A
5.9
9.2
0.7
1.4
2013
68
103
0.18
0.45
9.6
N/A
23.0
36.9
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
5.3
8.6
0.7
1.5
2012
66
94
0.10
0.49
5.9
N/A
24.0
38.5
N/A
N/A
21.5
N/A
5.8
8.3
0.6
1.4
2011
88
85
0.28
0.40
5.3
N/A
26.6
37.5
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
8.1
7.8
0.8
1.2
2010
77
86
0.31
0.50
5.7
N/A
26.4
36.6
N/A
N/A
16.1
N/A
7.1
7.1
0.8
N/A
2009
72
87
0.16
0.56
6.0
N/A
25.0
33.3
N/A
N/A
20.9
N/A
8.5
8.3
0.6
N/A
2008
75
82
0.15
0.66
8.2
N/A
27.6
33.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
9.2
0.9
N/A
2007
92
97
0.29
0.61
11.7
N/A
28.4
32.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.6
1.2
0.1
2006
87
102
0.35
0.75
13.4
N/A
29.0
32.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
8.3
1.4
0.8
2005
93
100
0.42
0.76
15.1
N/A
26.5
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
7.8
1.8
5.3
2004
92
85
0.40
0.71
16.0
N/A
25.2
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.4
1.6
2003
55
99
0.43
0.67
15.9
N/A
21.6
29.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.0
2002
59
94
0.49
0.73
15.7
N/A
22.2
30.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
0.7
2001
74
95
0.49
0.76
15.0
N/A
24.0
29.4
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.1
2000
85
95
0.52
0.88
14.7
N/A
25.1
29.7
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
12%
Transportation
Las Vegas has an extensive public transportation system including buses and monorails, ideal for visitors and residents alike. Jacksonville's public transportation primarily consists of buses and a small monorail system servicing the downtown area. In terms of commuting, Jacksonville's average commuter time is slightly longer than Las Vegas.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
566
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Bicycle
0.2%
0.1%
Bus
1.1%
2.2%
Carpooled
9%
10.3%
Car alone
86.5%
82.7%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.2%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Average
27.5 min
26.3 min
Other means
25 min
24 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
8%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
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
The real estate market in Las Vegas is generally more expensive than in Jacksonville. However, both cities offer a wide range of housing types from rural and suburban homes to apartments in the city center. Each has its own unique growing points, with downtown Jacksonville experiencing revitalization and Las Vegas expanding its suburban neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods each with its own unique appeal. In Jacksonville, neighborhoods like San Marco and Riverside boast historic architecture and a community feel, while Las Vegas offers the vibrant, flashy appeal of Summerlin or the residents-focused vibe of Green Valley.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Houses
422,315
269,602
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.7
Median year apartment built
1985
1991
Median year house/condo built
1987
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$417,434
Median house age
36
27
Renting percentage
38.3%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
2,379.4
House value disparities
33.2%
27.1%
Household income disparities
44.2%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
5,092 (5.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
One, detached
59.4%
61.5%
One, attached
6.1%
5.3%
Two
2.1%
1.3%
3 or 4
5.3%
7.7%
5 to 9
5.0%
8.4%
10 to 19
7.9%
4.8%
20 to 49
4.9%
2.8%
50 or more
5.3%
6.8%
Mobile homes
3.8%
1.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,601
18,990
State government workers
13,692
6,950
Unpaid family workers
1,066
614
Industries and Occupations
The primary industries in Jacksonville are healthcare, finance, logistics, and military. In contrast, in Las Vegas, the gaming, hospitality, tech, and construction industries dominate. Jacksonville's oceanic location has made it a hub for military and aerospace activities. Similarly, Las Vegas' entertainment industry attracts global tourism creating many service-related jobs.
In terms of health care, both cities have top-notch medical facilities. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is ranked as one of the best hospitals in the state. Las Vegas houses the highly-regarded University Medical Center and Nevada’s only level I trauma center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
In terms of infrastructure, both cities are well-equipped with international airports, highways, and public transportation systems, although public transit is more extensive in Las Vegas. Jacksonville has the benefit of a large deep-water port, which provides significant economic and commercial benefits.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Hospitals
25
39
TV stations
17
12
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
191
281
Bank institutions located here
31
34
Main business address for public companies
23
57
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
32
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
1999
5,422
2,657
2000
4,132
579
2001
3,038
371
2002
2,017
380
2003
3,563
3,590
2004
4,781
5,908
2005
7,134
7,894
2006
8,812
6,914
2007
5,298
3,733
2008
1,719
1,431
2009
676
813
Culture and Food
In terms of culture and food, Las Vegas is known for its world-class entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and diverse cultural scene. Jacksonville, on the other hand, offers a rich cultural experience through its numerous museums, music festivals, and Southern cuisine highlighted by an emphasis on seafood.
Sports Teams
Sports fans won't be disappointed in either city. Jacksonville is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. Las Vegas, on the other hand, hosts the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders and the NHL's Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Jacksonville, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Jacksonville, FL and 
Las Vegas, NV : 1,970.8 miles
