Centennial Hills Cost of Living: Complete Breakdown (2026)

by Ryan Rose

Centennial Hills offers a middle-ground cost of living in the Las Vegas Valley—more affordable than Summerlin while delivering stronger schools and safety than North Las Vegas. The overall cost of living index runs approximately 108-112, between North Las Vegas's 102-105 and Summerlin's 115-plus. With median home prices around $500,000, households need approximately $75,000-$95,000 annually for comfortable living. For families seeking the balance of quality and value, Centennial Hills delivers Nevada's tax advantages with suburban lifestyle at prices that don't break the budget. This guide breaks down every major expense category.

Centennial Hills Cost of Living Index

Centennial Hills falls in the valley's moderate range.

Overall index runs approximately 108-112, meaning costs are 8-12% above the national baseline of 100.

Category breakdown shows housing costs indexing at approximately 120-125, below Summerlin's 130-plus. Utilities index at approximately 95-98 running below national average. Groceries index at approximately 100-102 essentially national average. Transportation indexes at approximately 105-108 due to car-dependent layout. Healthcare indexes at approximately 95-98 running below national average.

Comparison shows Los Angeles at 166, Henderson at 110.6, Summerlin at approximately 115, North Las Vegas at 102-105, and national average at 100.

Housing Costs in Centennial Hills

Housing represents the largest budget item.

Rental costs show one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,200 to $1,500 monthly, two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,400 to $1,800 monthly, three-bedroom homes for rent averaging $2,000 to $2,600 monthly, and newer construction rentals running $2,200 to $3,000 monthly.

Home purchase costs with Centennial Hills' median home price of approximately $500,000 translate to specific monthly payments. On a $500,000 home with 20% down payment and current mortgage rates around 6.5%, expect approximately $2,528 for principal and interest, plus $246 for property taxes, plus $175 for insurance, plus $75-$200 for HOA fees, totaling $3,024 to $3,149 monthly.

Comparison shows North Las Vegas running approximately $500-$700 less monthly for comparable square footage. Summerlin runs approximately $400-$600 more monthly.

Property Tax Advantage

Nevada's property tax rate benefits all residents.

Effective rate runs 0.59% of assessed value—ninth lowest nationally.

On a $500,000 home, expect approximately $2,950 annually or $246 monthly.

This compares favorably to California's 0.75-1.1% effective rates and many other states.

Utility Costs

Centennial Hills utilities average $175-$200 monthly for a typical home.

Electricity from NV Energy runs $130-$180 in summer with AC and $80-$120 in winter. Newer construction in Centennial Hills often runs more efficiently.

Water and sewer costs $50-$80 monthly.

Natural gas from Southwest Gas averages $20-$40 monthly with minimal usage due to climate.

Internet service runs $50-$80 monthly for high-speed options.

Trash collection is typically $25-$35 monthly or included in some HOAs.

Summer electric bills spike significantly. Budget $180-$260 monthly during June through August for air conditioning.

Transportation Costs

Centennial Hills requires a car for most households.

Gas prices typically run $3.50-$4.50 per gallon. Average monthly gas expense for typical commuter is $150-$240 depending on commute distance.

Auto insurance averages $150-$230 monthly.

Vehicle registration costs $33 base plus supplemental fees based on vehicle value.

Commute considerations show Centennial Hills to Strip running 25-35 minutes, Centennial Hills to downtown running 20-30 minutes, and Centennial Hills to Henderson running 30-45 minutes.

Groceries and Dining

Grocery costs in Centennial Hills approximate national averages.

Typical monthly grocery budget runs $400-$575 for a family of four.

Major grocery stores include Smith's (Kroger), Albertsons, Walmart, and Costco.

Restaurant pricing is moderate. Casual dining averages $14-$24 per person. Mid-range restaurants average $25-$45 per person.

Centennial Hills dining options continue developing with established chains and growing local options.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs run at or slightly below national average.

Centennial Hills healthcare access includes multiple urgent care facilities, primary care and specialty practices, and proximity to Las Vegas hospital systems within 15-25 minutes.

Health insurance costs vary by coverage and employer with marketplace plans running similar to national averages.

Childcare and Education

Childcare represents a significant expense for families.

Daycare costs run $750-$1,250 monthly for full-time infant care. Preschool costs $550-$950 monthly. After-school programs average $200-$400 monthly.

Public schools are free with Clark County School District. Centennial Hills schools rate above Las Vegas averages.

Private school options require 20-30 minute commutes to most campuses with tuition ranging from $8,000 to $25,000 annually.

No State Income Tax Advantage

Nevada's zero state income tax creates substantial savings.

Annual savings for a $100,000 household income relocating from California amount to $6,000 to $9,300 annually.

For $150,000 household income from California, savings reach $9,000 to $14,000 annually.

These savings apply throughout Nevada—the advantage compared to California is consistent regardless of specific Las Vegas Valley location.

What Salary Do You Need in Centennial Hills

Budget requirements depend on lifestyle.

Single adult with modest lifestyle needs $50,000-$60,000. Single adult with comfortable lifestyle needs $60,000-$75,000. Couple without children for comfortable lifestyle needs $85,000-$105,000. Family of four for comfortable lifestyle needs $95,000-$125,000.

These figures run $5,000-$15,000 above North Las Vegas equivalents and $5,000-$15,000 below Summerlin equivalents, reflecting Centennial Hills' middle-ground positioning.

Cost Comparison to Other Areas

Centennial Hills vs North Las Vegas shows North Las Vegas costing 5-8% less overall with housing 15-25% less expensive.

Centennial Hills vs Summerlin shows Summerlin costing 5-10% more overall with housing 15-25% more expensive.

Centennial Hills vs Henderson shows costs running similar overall with housing prices comparable. Location preference drives choice.

The Bottom Line

Centennial Hills offers moderate cost of living with quality-of-life advantages over cheaper alternatives. Housing costs run between North Las Vegas and Summerlin. Schools and safety exceed North Las Vegas at modest premium. For families seeking value without sacrificing community quality, Centennial Hills delivers the balance. Nevada's tax advantages apply equally, but the housing and lifestyle costs position Centennial Hills as the valley's middle-ground option.

I help families understand the true cost of living in Centennial Hills versus alternatives. Reach out for a personalized budget analysis.

Want to understand Centennial Hills costs? Call or text Ryan Rose at 702-747-5921 for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Centennial Hills Cost of Living

Q1: What is the overall cost of living index in Centennial Hills?

Centennial Hills has a cost of living index of approximately 108-112, meaning costs are 8-12% above the national baseline of 100. This positions it between North Las Vegas (102-105) and Summerlin (115+), making it a middle-ground option in the Las Vegas Valley.

Q2: How much does it cost to rent in Centennial Hills?

Rental costs vary by size: one-bedroom apartments average $1,200-$1,500 monthly, two-bedroom apartments run $1,400-$1,800 monthly, three-bedroom homes average $2,000-$2,600 monthly, and newer construction rentals typically cost $2,200-$3,000 monthly.

Q3: What are the monthly costs of owning a $500,000 home in Centennial Hills?

With 20% down and a 6.5% mortgage rate, expect approximately $2,528 for principal and interest, $246 for property taxes, $175 for insurance, and $75-$200 for HOA fees, totaling $3,024-$3,149 monthly.

Q4: How much are property taxes in Centennial Hills?

Nevada has an effective property tax rate of 0.59%—the ninth lowest nationally. On a $500,000 home, you'll pay approximately $2,950 annually or $246 monthly, which is significantly lower than California's 0.75-1.1% rates.

Q5: What are typical utility costs in Centennial Hills?

Average utilities run $175-$200 monthly for a typical home. Electricity costs $130-$180 in summer and $80-$120 in winter. Water and sewer average $50-$80 monthly, natural gas runs $20-$40 monthly, and internet costs $50-$80 monthly. Budget $180-$260 monthly during peak summer months for air conditioning.

Q6: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Centennial Hills?

A single adult needs $60,000-$75,000 for comfortable living. A couple without children needs $85,000-$105,000. A family of four requires $95,000-$125,000 annually for a comfortable lifestyle in Centennial Hills.

Q7: How much can I save by moving to Centennial Hills from California?

Nevada has no state income tax. A household earning $100,000 saves $6,000-$9,300 annually compared to California. A household earning $150,000 saves $9,000-$14,000 annually. These savings apply throughout Nevada.

Q8: How do transportation costs compare in Centennial Hills?

Centennial Hills requires a car for most households. Gas runs $3.50-$4.50 per gallon with monthly expenses of $150-$240 for typical commuters. Auto insurance averages $150-$230 monthly. Commute times range from 20-45 minutes depending on your destination in the valley.

Q9: What do groceries and dining cost in Centennial Hills?

Grocery costs approximate national averages, with a typical family of four spending $400-$575 monthly. Casual dining averages $14-$24 per person, while mid-range restaurants cost $25-$45 per person.

Q10: How much does childcare cost in Centennial Hills?

Daycare for full-time infant care runs $750-$1,250 monthly. Preschool costs $550-$950 monthly. After-school programs average $200-$400 monthly. Public schools through Clark County School District are free, and Centennial Hills schools rate above Las Vegas averages.

Q11: How does Centennial Hills compare cost-wise to other Las Vegas areas?

Centennial Hills costs 5-8% more than North Las Vegas but 5-10% less than Summerlin. It offers better schools and safety than North Las Vegas at a modest premium, while providing similar value to Henderson. It's positioned as the valley's quality middle-ground option.

Q12: Are healthcare costs expensive in Centennial Hills?

Healthcare costs run at or slightly below the national average, with a healthcare cost index of approximately 95-98. The area has multiple urgent care facilities, primary care and specialty practices, and proximity to Las Vegas hospital systems within 15-25 minutes.