Henderson NV Cost of Living: Complete Breakdown (2026)

Henderson Cost of Living Index Breakdown

Henderson's overall cost of living index is 110.6, meaning costs run 10.6% above the national baseline of 100. Here's how that breaks down by category.

Housing costs index at 130, representing 30% above national average and Henderson's biggest expense. Utilities index at 97, running 3% below national average due to no heating costs most of year. Groceries index at 102, sitting 2% above national average and essentially at parity. Transportation costs index at 110, which is 10% above average due to car-dependent sprawl. Healthcare indexes at 96, coming in 4% below national average. Miscellaneous goods and services index at 105 at 5% above average.

For comparison, Los Angeles indexes at 166 overall, San Francisco at 179, Denver at 128, Phoenix at 103, and the national average at 100.

Housing Costs in Henderson

Housing represents the largest budget item. Henderson offers range across neighborhoods.

Rental Costs

One-bedroom apartments average $1,200 to $1,500 monthly. Two-bedroom apartments average $1,500 to $1,900 monthly. Three-bedroom homes for rent average $2,000 to $2,800 monthly. Luxury rentals in gated communities run $3,000 and up monthly.

Home Purchase Costs

Henderson's median home price of approximately $485,000-$500,000 translates to specific monthly mortgage payments. On a $400,000 home with 20% down payment and current mortgage rates around 6.5%, expect approximately $2,024 in principal and interest, plus $275 in property taxes, plus $150 in insurance, plus $100-$300 in HOA fees, totaling $2,549 to $2,749 monthly.

Entry-level communities like Cadence and Inspirada offer homes from $350,000. Mid-range neighborhoods such as Green Valley Ranch and Whitney Ranch range from $400,000 to $600,000. Luxury communities including Anthem, Seven Hills, and MacDonald Ranch start at $500,000 and go to $2 million-plus.

Property Tax Advantage

Nevada's effective property tax rate of 0.59% is the ninth lowest nationally. On a $500,000 home, expect approximately $2,950 annually or $245 monthly. Compare this to California at 0.75-1.1% effective rates and Texas at 1.6-2.5%.

Utility Costs in Henderson

Henderson utilities average $185 monthly for a typical home, breaking down as follows. Electricity from NV Energy runs $130-$180 in summer with AC and $80-$120 in winter. Water and sewer from Henderson Water Utility costs $50-$80 monthly. Natural gas from Southwest Gas averages $20-$40 monthly since it's minimal due to climate. Internet service runs $50-$80 monthly for high-speed options. Trash collection is typically included in HOA or city services.

Summer electric bills spike significantly. Budget $180-$250 monthly during June, July, and August for air conditioning. Newer homes with energy-efficient systems run lower. Solar panel installations, common in Henderson, can eliminate or dramatically reduce electric bills.

Transportation Costs

Henderson requires a car—public transit is limited. Monthly transportation costs break down as follows.

Gas prices typically run $3.50-$4.50 per gallon, historically lower than California. Average monthly gas expense for typical commuter is $150-$250. Auto insurance averages $150-$250 monthly, which is lower than LA or Vegas proper. Vehicle registration costs $33 base plus supplemental fees based on vehicle value. No vehicle inspections are required in Nevada.

What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Henderson?

The answer depends on your lifestyle and neighborhood.

Single adult with modest lifestyle needs $45,000-$55,000. Single adult with comfortable lifestyle needs $60,000-$75,000. Couple without children for comfortable lifestyle needs $80,000-$100,000. Family of four for comfortable lifestyle needs $100,000-$130,000. Family of four in luxury community needs $150,000-plus.

These figures assume typical spending patterns, reliable transportation, and housing costs at roughly 30% of income.

Cost of Living Comparison: Henderson vs Major Cities

Henderson versus Los Angeles shows LA costing 55% more overall with housing 85% more expensive.

Henderson versus San Francisco shows SF costing 60% more overall with housing 120% more expensive.

Henderson versus San Diego shows San Diego costing 35% more overall with housing 50% more expensive.

Henderson versus Phoenix shows Phoenix costing 6% less overall but with lower school ratings and higher crime.

Henderson versus Denver shows Denver costing 15% more overall with similar amenities but winter weather.

The Bottom Line

Henderson offers genuine value for families relocating from high-cost markets. The combination of no state income tax, reasonable housing costs, low property taxes, and below-average utilities creates meaningful monthly savings. The 10.6% above-average cost of living primarily reflects housing; other categories approximate or beat national averages.

For California relocators especially, the financial case is compelling. Your housing dollar stretches 40-60% further, you keep 10-13% more income through tax savings, and you gain access to safer neighborhoods and better schools than comparable price points in most California metros.

I help families from high-cost markets understand the true cost of living in Henderson. If you want a personalized budget analysis for your situation, reach out anytime.