Moving to Las Vegas from Florida: Trading Humidity and Hurricanes for Desert Living

by Ryan Rose

Both Florida and Nevada offer zero state income tax, but Las Vegas provides escape from hurricanes, humidity, flooding, and skyrocketing insurance costs—while offering comparable entertainment, sunshine, and a growing economy. This guide helps Floridians evaluate the move.

Why Floridians Are Looking West

Insurance crisis: Florida homeowners insurance has skyrocketed—$4,000-$10,000+ annually. Nevada averages under $1,500. Hurricane fatigue: Annual evacuation stress, property damage risk, and recovery hassles don't exist in Nevada. Humidity escape: Florida's oppressive summer humidity vs Las Vegas dry heat—many prefer dry. Flooding: No flood insurance needed in Las Vegas. Florida flood risk is real and expensive. Crowding: Florida population boom has created traffic, crowding, and rising costs.

Tax Comparison: Both Zero Income Tax

Both states have no income tax, so the comparison comes down to other factors: Property tax: Florida ~0.9% vs Nevada ~0.55%. On $500K home: $4,500 vs $2,750 annually. Insurance: Florida $4,000-$10,000+ vs Nevada $1,200-$1,800. Major difference. Sales tax: Florida ~7.0% vs Nevada ~8.4%. Slight Nevada disadvantage. Net result: Nevada often wins on total cost despite similar tax structures.

Climate: Humid Heat vs Dry Heat

Florida summer: 90°F with 80%+ humidity. Feels like 105°F. Daily afternoon thunderstorms. Mosquitoes. Vegas summer: 110°F actual but 10-15% humidity. Hot but different. No bugs. No daily storms. Florida winter: Mild 60s-70s. Pleasant. Vegas winter: Cooler 40s-60s but still sunny. Occasional cold snaps. The verdict: Many find dry heat more tolerable than humid heat. Try both before deciding.

Housing Comparison

What You'll Miss (And Won't)

Will miss: Beaches and ocean. Cuban food. Florida Keys. Theme parks. Coastal lifestyle. Won't miss: Hurricane season. Insurance bills. Humidity. Mosquitoes. Flooding. Mold. Traffic (I-4, I-95).

Where Florida Transplants Settle

Henderson: Similar suburban feel to Boca, Coral Springs, or Wesley Chapel. Summerlin: Upscale master-planned like Weston or Parkland. Lake Las Vegas: Waterfront community for those missing lake/ocean views. Southwest: Growing suburbs similar to newer Tampa/Orlando developments.

The Bottom Line

Florida to Las Vegas trades beaches for mountains, humidity for dry air, and hurricane stress for peace of mind. The insurance savings alone can be $5,000-$8,000 annually. Both are no-income-tax states, so it's really about lifestyle preference. I help Florida families find their Vegas fit. Reach out to discuss your situation.

Planning your move to Las Vegas? Call or text Ryan Rose at 702-747-5921 for relocation guidance.

Moving from Florida to Las Vegas: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much can I save on homeowners insurance moving from Florida to Las Vegas?

Florida homeowners face insurance costs ranging from $4,000-$10,000+ annually due to hurricane risks, while Nevada averages under $1,500-$1,800 per year. Most Florida families save between $5,000-$8,000 annually on insurance alone by relocating to Las Vegas.

Q2: Do both Florida and Nevada have no state income tax?

Yes, both Florida and Nevada have zero state income tax, making them equally attractive from an income tax perspective. However, Nevada often wins on total cost of living due to lower property taxes (0.55% vs 0.9%) and significantly lower insurance costs.

Q3: Is dry heat in Las Vegas really better than Florida's humid heat?

While Las Vegas summer temperatures can reach 110°F, the humidity is only 10-15%, making it feel less oppressive than Florida's 90°F with 80%+ humidity. Many transplants find dry heat more tolerable since you can cool off in the shade and sweat evaporates quickly. There are also no mosquitoes, daily thunderstorms, or mold issues in the desert climate.

Q4: Will I need flood insurance in Las Vegas?

No, flood insurance is typically not needed in Las Vegas due to its desert location and elevation. This is a significant savings compared to Florida, where flood insurance can cost thousands annually and is increasingly required in many coastal and low-lying areas.

Q5: What are the property tax differences between Florida and Nevada?

Florida's average property tax rate is approximately 0.9%, while Nevada's is around 0.55%. On a $500,000 home, you'd pay roughly $4,500 annually in Florida versus $2,750 in Nevada—a savings of $1,750 per year.

Q6: Where do most Florida transplants settle in the Las Vegas area?

Henderson attracts families from suburban Florida areas like Coral Springs or Wesley Chapel. Summerlin appeals to those from upscale communities like Weston or Parkland. Lake Las Vegas draws those missing waterfront living, while the Southwest suburbs attract people from newer Tampa and Orlando developments.

Q7: What will I miss most about Florida after moving to Las Vegas?

Most Florida transplants miss the beaches and ocean access, Cuban and Caribbean cuisine, the Florida Keys, proximity to theme parks, and the coastal lifestyle. However, Las Vegas offers mountains, world-class entertainment, nearby recreation areas like Lake Mead, and an active outdoor culture that many find equally appealing.

Q8: What won't I miss about Florida?

Hurricane season and evacuation stress, skyrocketing insurance bills, oppressive humidity, constant mosquitoes, flooding risks, mold problems, and major traffic corridors like I-4 and I-95 are the most commonly cited issues Florida transplants are happy to leave behind.

Q9: How do Las Vegas home prices compare to Florida markets?

Las Vegas median home prices are around $490,000, which is comparable to or lower than major Florida markets like Miami ($600,000+), Tampa ($425,000), and Orlando ($400,000). When you factor in the lower insurance and property taxes, the total cost of homeownership in Las Vegas is typically $7,000-$10,000 less annually than comparable Florida markets.

Q10: What about the winter weather in Las Vegas compared to Florida?

Las Vegas winters are cooler than Florida, with temperatures in the 40s-60s compared to Florida's mild 60s-70s. However, Las Vegas still offers abundant sunshine and clear skies. You may need a jacket in the mornings and evenings, but many find the cooler, less humid winter weather refreshing compared to Florida's occasional cold fronts and dampness.

Q11: Is sales tax higher in Nevada than Florida?

Yes, Nevada's sales tax averages around 8.4% compared to Florida's 7.0%. However, this modest difference is more than offset by the savings on property taxes and insurance, resulting in a net financial advantage for most homeowners moving to Nevada.

Q12: Does Las Vegas have hurricanes or natural disaster risks?

No, Las Vegas does not experience hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, or tornadoes. The desert location provides peace of mind from the annual hurricane season stress, evacuation procedures, and property damage risks that Florida residents face regularly.