Moving to Las Vegas from New Jersey: Escape the Highest Property Taxes in America

by Ryan Rose

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation...averaging over $9,000 annually...plus state income tax up to 10.75%. Las Vegas offers zero income tax, property taxes under $3,000, and actual space to live without the Jersey attitude. This guide covers what Garden State refugees need to know.

The Tax Escape Math

NJ income tax: Up to 10.75%. Nevada income tax: 0%. NJ property tax (avg): ~$9,500/year (highest in US). Nevada property tax (avg): ~$2,700/year on equivalent home. Total annual savings: On $150K income with $500K home: ~$15,000 income tax + ~$6,800 property tax = $21,800/year. Over 10 years: $218,000 in tax savings alone.

Housing Comparison

Weather Upgrade

NJ winter: Cold, snow, ice, gray skies November-March. Shoveling, salt damage, heating bills. Vegas winter: 50-60°F, sunny, golf weather. Light jacket at most. NJ summer: Hot and humid with mosquitoes. Vegas summer: Hot and dry. Pool season. No humidity or bugs.

What Jersey Transplants Miss (and Don't)

Will miss: Shore points, diners, Italian food, fall foliage, proximity to NYC, Wawa. Won't miss: Property taxes, traffic (Turnpike, Parkway), attitude, cost of everything, winters, humidity.

Where Jersey Transplants Settle

Henderson: Suburban feel like Morris or Somerset counties...without the taxes. Summerlin: Similar to nice Bergen County areas but affordable. Southwest: Growing suburbs, good schools, strong value. Southern Highlands: Upscale like Short Hills but with sunshine and low taxes.

The Bottom Line

New Jersey to Las Vegas is one of the most financially compelling relocations in America. The tax savings alone can fund a significantly upgraded lifestyle. Trade the Turnpike for the 215, keep your edge (it plays well in Vegas), and enjoy actually keeping your money. I help Jersey families make the move. Reach out to start.

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

Moving from New Jersey to Las Vegas: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much money will I save on taxes by moving from New Jersey to Las Vegas?

On a $150K income with a $500K home, you'll save approximately $21,800 annually...$15,000 from zero state income tax and $6,800 from lower property taxes. Over 10 years, that's $218,000 in tax savings alone that you can keep or invest.

Q2: What are the property taxes like in Las Vegas compared to New Jersey?

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation, averaging over $9,500 annually. Nevada property taxes average around $2,700 per year on an equivalent home...nearly 72% less than New Jersey.

Q3: Which Las Vegas neighborhoods are most popular with New Jersey transplants?

Henderson offers a suburban feel similar to Morris or Somerset counties, Summerlin resembles Bergen County areas, Southwest Las Vegas provides growing suburbs with good schools and value, and Southern Highlands offers upscale living like Short Hills but with sunshine and low taxes.

Q4: How does the weather in Las Vegas compare to New Jersey?

Las Vegas winters are mild (50-60°F) and sunny with no snow shoveling or ice. Summers are hot but dry with no humidity or mosquitoes...perfect for pool season. You'll avoid New Jersey's cold, gray winters and humid summers entirely.

Q5: What will I miss most about New Jersey after moving to Las Vegas?

Most Jersey transplants miss shore points, authentic diners, Italian food, fall foliage, proximity to NYC, and Wawa. However, they don't miss the property taxes, Turnpike/Parkway traffic, high costs, brutal winters, or humidity.

Q6: How much house can I get in Las Vegas compared to New Jersey?

Your money goes significantly further in Las Vegas. The combination of lower home prices and dramatically reduced property taxes means you can afford more space, upgraded features, and better amenities than a comparable investment would get you in New Jersey.

Q7: Does Nevada have state income tax?

No. Nevada has zero state income tax, compared to New Jersey's income tax rate that reaches up to 10.75%. This means you keep significantly more of your paycheck every year.

Q8: Is it difficult to establish Nevada residency when moving from New Jersey?

Establishing Nevada residency is straightforward. You'll need to obtain a Nevada driver's license, register your vehicles, register to vote, and maintain your primary residence in Nevada. It's important to formally cut ties with New Jersey to avoid any tax complications.