Nashville-Davidson, TN and Las Vegas, NV are two distinct cities with unique charms attracting both residents and tourists. Nashville, known as Music City, and Las Vegas, termed the Entertainment Capital of the World, offer different lifestyle experiences. By comparing both locations across numerous segments such as safety, cost of living, economy, transport, taxes, culture, sports teams, geography, and health care, it can be determined that each city fosters a unique blend of opportunities for the intending settler or visitor.
Distance between
Nashville-Davidson, TN and
Las Vegas, NV : 1,581.5 miles
Nashville-Davidson's population is larger by 5%. Its population has grown by 133,327 people (24.4%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
The crime rate in Las Vegas tend to be higher than in Nashville-Davidson. However, crime rates vary greatly by neighborhood in both cities, and many neighborhoods are quite safe. For tourists, popular destinations in both cities are generally safe, but caution should still be exercised, particularly at night.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living is slightly lower in Nashville than in Las Vegas. However, like most cities, the specifics can change dramatically based on the neighborhood and lifestyle preferences.
Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax, which can be a perk for residents. Nevada also does not levy state income tax, making both cities attractive for individuals and businesses.
Property Tax
Nashville-Davidson has a lower property tax rate compared to Las Vegas, which could be a significant consideration for potential home buyers.
Sales Tax
Tennessee has a high sales tax rate of 9.47%, while Nevada's sales tax rate stands at 8.27%. Consequently, goods and services are generally more expensive in Nashville as compared to Las Vegas.
Income
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$64,857
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$42,268
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
90.9
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Nashville-Davidson, you will have to make $54,510 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Nashville is located in central Tennessee with rolling hills and lush vegetation. Las Vegas is situated in a desert valley surrounded by mountains, which makes it hot and dry with sparse vegetation.
Both cities have public, private, and post-secondary educational institutions. However, Nashville is home to renowned universities such as Vanderbilt, which contributes to its slightly better education ranking.
Las Vegas's economy revolves around hospitality, tourism, and gaming, while Nashville is big on music, healthcare, and education. The result is a diversity of job opportunities in both cities, closely tied to their respective industries.
Biggest Employers
In terms of the biggest employers, Nashville has Vanderbilt University and Medical Center. Las Vegas, on the other hand, thrives on its casino resorts and entertainment companies, like MGM Resorts, that provide significant employment.
There were 3,932 building permits issued in Nashville-Davidson in 2012 (2854 more than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011).
In Nashville-Davidson (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% 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
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
2020
65.0%
53.7%
32.6%
44.3%
2.3%
2.0%
2016
60.1%
52.4%
34.1%
41.7%
5.7%
5.8%
2012
58.5%
56.4%
39.9%
41.8%
1.6%
1.8%
2008
60.0%
58.5%
39.0%
39.5%
1.0%
2.0%
2004
54.9%
51.8%
44.6%
46.9%
0.4%
1.3%
2000
57.9%
51.4%
40.4%
44.8%
1.7%
3.8%
1996
79.3%
75.5%
18.1%
18.8%
2.6%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.1%
1.6%
19.6%
11.2%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4.9%
18.1%
2.3%
4.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.5%
0.1%
1.8%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.1%
0.2%
1.7%
1.6%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
1.0%
0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.1%
1.4%
0.6%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.0%
0.9%
0.4%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
1.3%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.4%
0.8%
1.6%
Weather
The climate in Nashville is humid subtropical, resulting in mild winters and hot, humid summers. Conversely, Las Vegas is located in a desert, with hot summers and mild winters, but far less humidity. Explorers and residents who prefer less humidity may favor Las Vegas weather over Nashville.
Weather and climate
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
58.5°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.9%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.8 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.1%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.7%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
42%
76%
Wind speed - Average
7.7 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
2018
71
100
0.40
0.42
13.8
13.1
24.1
37.2
N/A
N/A
15.2
24.4
9.2
6.0
0.2
0.7
2017
70
101
0.38
0.29
14.4
13.0
26.8
38.5
N/A
N/A
15.3
20.3
8.7
7.3
0.1
0.8
2016
90
97
0.42
0.38
16.1
11.2
26.4
36.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.6
10.1
8.7
0.0
0.8
2015
68
92
0.43
0.36
15.5
12.4
23.6
35.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.9
10.8
8.4
0.1
1.2
2014
66
91
N/A
0.40
N/A
10.8
26.3
36.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.1
9.8
9.2
1.4
1.4
2013
62
103
N/A
0.45
N/A
9.6
N/A
36.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.1
9.7
8.6
N/A
1.5
2012
81
94
N/A
0.49
N/A
5.9
28.3
38.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.5
11.0
8.3
2.3
1.4
2011
81
85
N/A
0.40
N/A
5.3
25.9
37.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.2
11.0
7.8
1.7
1.2
2010
80
86
N/A
0.50
N/A
5.7
24.3
36.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.1
12.2
7.1
2.2
N/A
2009
72
87
N/A
0.56
N/A
6.0
22.5
33.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.9
11.5
8.3
2.4
N/A
2008
81
82
N/A
0.66
N/A
8.2
25.7
33.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.4
9.2
2.5
N/A
2007
99
97
N/A
0.61
N/A
11.7
27.4
32.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.5
8.6
2.7
0.1
2006
93
102
0.69
0.75
N/A
13.4
24.9
32.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
8.3
2.9
0.8
2005
104
100
0.56
0.76
N/A
15.1
23.5
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
7.8
3.1
5.3
2004
83
85
0.61
0.71
N/A
16.0
22.0
30.6
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.6
2003
93
99
0.67
0.67
N/A
15.9
18.5
29.8
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
3.8
1.0
2002
92
94
0.67
0.73
N/A
15.7
20.2
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
4.3
0.7
2001
95
95
0.89
0.76
N/A
15.0
19.5
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.6
N/A
4.5
1.1
2000
97
95
0.74
0.88
N/A
14.7
19.8
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
169.1%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
296.1%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
12%
Transportation
While Las Vegas has bus and monorail systems serving the city and greater metropolitan area, Nashville offers a broader public transportation network including buses, bikes, rideshares, and a commuter rail service.
Transport
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Bicycle
0.3%
0.1%
Bus
1.2%
2.2%
Carpooled
9.8%
10.3%
Car alone
85.5%
82.7%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.8%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Average
31.3 min
26.3 min
Other means
23.4 min
24 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.7%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
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 relatively more volatile, influenced by the tourism-heavy economy. Nashville, on the other hand, has a steadily growing housing market, reflecting its stable diversification.
Neighborhoods
Both Nashville and Las Vegas offer a wide array of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Vegas trends towards high-energy living, especially near the strip, while Nashville neighborhoods offer a blend of urban and suburban living, often with a musical backdrop.
Houses and residents
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
Houses
331,262
269,602
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.7
Median year apartment built
1986
1991
Median year house/condo built
1984
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.2 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
305,247 (92.1%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
162,426 (53.2%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
142,821 (46.8%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,391
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$1,291
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$221,129
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$346,700
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$437,686
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$320,904
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$319,119
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$305,249
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$133,346
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$328,258
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
$412,434
$417,434
Median house age
35
27
Renting percentage
44.6%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
699.9
2,379.4
House value disparities
31%
27.1%
Household income disparities
45.4%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$93,092
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$68,871
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
3,189 (2.8%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,988 (9.6%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
110,850 (97.2%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
333 (0.3%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,192 (11.6%)
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
1.3%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.5%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
One, detached
50.9%
61.5%
One, attached
8.4%
5.3%
Two
3.3%
1.3%
3 or 4
3.1%
7.7%
5 to 9
7.1%
8.4%
10 to 19
8.7%
4.8%
20 to 49
5.3%
2.8%
50 or more
11.9%
6.8%
Mobile homes
1.2%
1.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
31,952
18,990
State government workers
15,693
6,950
Unpaid family workers
463
614
Industries and Occupations
Industries in Las Vegas are primarily tourism, gaming, and entertainment, while Nashville boasts music production, healthcare, and manufacturing. Therefore, Nashville may present a wider array of career opportunities for artists and healthcare professionals.
Nashville's healthcare sector is thriving, with several world-class hospitals. In Las Vegas, while the health care system is more than adequate, it does not quite match the standard set by Nashville.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Nashville and Las Vegas have good infrastructure in terms tourism facilities, airports, and road networks. However, Nashville possesses a slight advantage due to its broader transportation options.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Nashville-Davidson
Las Vegas
1999
2,397
2,657
2000
1,451
579
2001
1,130
371
2002
1,075
380
2003
2,231
3,590
2004
2,731
5,908
2005
3,231
7,894
2006
3,720
6,914
2007
2,419
3,733
2008
952
1,431
2009
532
813
Culture and Food
Culturally, Nashville is the epicenter of country music with a deep-rooted history and a vibrant food scene renowned for its hot chicken and barbeque. Las Vegas, while famous for its entertainment scene, also boasts a variety of world-class restaurants.
Sports Teams
Nashville is home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and Nashville Predators (NHL). Las Vegas, meanwhile, hosts the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Las Vegas Golden Knights (NHL). Both cities also host a variety of minor league and collegiate sports teams.
Nashville-Davidson, TN and 
Las Vegas, NV : 1,581.5 miles
Nashville-Davidson, TN and 
Las Vegas, NV : 1,581.5 miles
