Cost of Living in Henderson, NV: 2023 Renter's Guide

Henderson, Nevada, attracts newcomers with its affordable lifestyle, comfortable climate, proximity to the great outdoors, and a quick commute to the big city of Las Vegas. You get the best of urban living without needing to live in the bustle of The Strip and towering casinos.

Nevada is known for a relatively low cost of living, but Henderson is an upscale enclave of Las Vegas and more expensive than other areas. However, depending on the job you choose and your housing costs, it’s also relatively easy to live comfortably around Henderson.

Are you ready to make a move? Learn everything you need to know about living in Henderson.

What's It Like Living in Henderson?

Henderson is considered a suburb of Las Vegas but is also the state's chief industrial center with a high production of titanium and heavy chemicals for commercial and defense. The area is also home to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Henderson is a contained city with all the amenities and industry it needs. It's the second-largest city in Nevada and home to 322,178 people. By comparison, Las Vegas houses 646,790 residents.

Originally, Henderson was built to provide housing for employees building the government-constructed magnesium plant in the area. The city was essential in supplying magnesium during World War II and relied on the Hoover Dam as a power source to separate the metal from its ore. But as the demand for magnesium declined, the power plants were sold, and Henderson was officially incorporated as a city in 1953.

Locals love the area for its small-town charm, big-city amenities, and ever-expanding vision. Henderson may surprise you with claims as the "greenest city" in Nevada due to its air quality and renewable energy programs. The city also created nearly 70 parks and 180 linear miles of walking and biking trails.

If you love planned communities near the dazzle of Las Vegas, you're in luck. Henderson offers over 20 of them with grocery stores, parks, and recreation.

Cost of Living in Henderson

According to Best Places, Henderson’s cost of living is higher than the national average and comparable metro areas. The cost of living in Henderson is 17% higher than the national average, with 41% higher housing costs. However, Henderson is also 85% lower than living in San Diego, CA year-round.

Here's a breakdown of how much things cost when moving to Henderson, as reported by Numbeo.

• Energy bill: $135.18
• Internet: $91.25
• Loaf of bread: $2.83
• Doctor's visit: $113.70
• Gallon of gas: $4.61
• Gallon of milk: $3.06

Despite Henderson's warm climate and hot summers, utilities are still below the national average of $240. You should account for a spike in utility bills during Nevada’s blistering heat waves. Winters are mild, but you may need to flick on the heat at night during the coldest months. Learn how to plan and what to expect from utilities in an apartment.

While Henderson's home prices are on the rise, they are still more affordable than in states like California and Colorado. The current median home price in Henderson is $449,100.

Like many metro suburbs, Henderson is also home to highly desirable neighborhoods with price tags to match. You may need to set your budget higher to find all of the upscale amenities and lifestyle you're looking for.

According to our most recent rent report, Henderson's rents rose sharply over the last few years, but decreased 3.5% year-after-year. Currently, median rents stand at $1,318 for a one-bedroom apartment in Henderson. A two-bedroom apartment will cost an average of $1,538. The state average also fell by 2.9%, but the national average rose by 2.6%.

Before determining how much you can afford for rent, we suggest using the 30% rule. The rule states you should spend no more than 30% of your income on rent to live comfortably. For example, living comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in Henderson requires an income of $52,720 or about $26.36 an hour. To live comfortably in a two-bedroom apartment, you should shoot for $61,520 a year or $30.76 an hour.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household salary in Henderson is $79,611. As a result, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in apartments with average rents if your income is similar. However, the living wage in Henderson is $16.86, which is the minimum you need to meet your essentials.

Henderson Job Market and Economy

Henderson's economy focuses on manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation, and warehousing. Of course, you're also not far from Las Vegas to take advantage of their tourism, gaming, and entertainment industries.

The unemployment rate in Henerson is 5.4%, which is higher than the U.S. average of 3.6%. However, on the upside, recent job growth is trending positive and has increased by 3.5% and locals frequently commute into Las Vegas to find additional job opportunities.

Other Expenses to Consider in Henderson

Like the rest of Nevada, there's no state income tax in the state of Nevada. So instead, you can enjoy those savings to make more of the nightlife or give your apartment an upgrade.

Unfortunately, there is a downside. Nevada charges some of the highest tax rates in the country at 4.6%. Local sales tax can also raise that figure up to 8.375%.

Public Transportation in Henderson

You’ll need a car to make the most of what the state offers. However, Henderson does have some public transportation options available through The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTCSNV). You'll also find bus service to and from the Harry Reid International Airport, Greyhound, and Megabus.

The MIT Living Wage Calculator shows an average annual transportation cost of $5,316 for a single individual. Larger families with two working parents and two children can anticipate paying around $14,058 in annual transportation costs.

The Weather in Henderson

Like much of Nevada, Henderon's summers are blisteringly hot, and the winters are chilly. You'll see temps soar past 100 degrees in July but rarely dip below the mid-30s during winter months.

The average year-round weather in Henderson is relatively comfortable and dry, though you’ll need to learn to embrace the heat if you want to live in Henderson. The city only gets about 5-inches of rain every year, while the U.S. average is 38 inches. One of the perks of living in Henderson is the 297 days of sunshine a year, compared to the U.S. average of 205 sunny days.

Henderson Attractions

There's plenty to do and see around Henderson. The Lion Habitat Ranch features a family of lions and cubs cared for by an informative and lively staff. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve and Lake Las Vegas are popular warm-weather spots to soak up nature.

Locals beat the heat at the Cowabunga Bay Water Park. Or they make the most of the sun to explore the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Plan to head out in the cool morning hours and plenty of water if you plan to hike or spend time outdoors.

Food Scene and Nightlife in Henderson

If you're single living in Henderson, you'll pay about $4,686 a year on food. For a family of two working adults and two children, you'll pay $13,802 a year.

Nevada and the surrounding Las Vegas area aren't known for signature dishes. Instead, you’ll find global cuisine and all-American comfort food. The exception is the shrimp cocktail, which originated in Las Vegas in 1959.

Henderson is home to must-eats, like the Crepe Shack & Waffles serving Japanese-style crepes and edibles to guests with a sweet tooth. For authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Pho MaiLan serves up authentic dishes in a family-owned establishment. The Tuscany Grill serves cheese-filled tortellini Pescara, pasta, seafood, steaks, and broiled salmon filets for all things Italian.

Although you'll need to hit Las Vegas to make the most of 24/7 nightlife, Henderson is home to the M Resort Casino and Sunset Station Casino. The city is also the site of the first legal distillery in the state, The Las Vegas Distillery.

To give you an idea of what you'll spend eating out; set aside at least $17.50 in an inexpensive restaurant, not including tip or alcohol. For a mid-range restaurant, you'll spend at least $42 for a three-course meal for two people.

Major Annual Henderson Events

Henderson hosts year-round events, from farmers' markets to live performances, such as the Henderson Farmers Markets, Pride Fest, Juneteenth Festival, and area art festivals. The local Dollar Loan Center hosts musical acts and live entertainment for the community.

Las Vegas also boasts its share of annual events, including the Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival if you're looking for more festivals. You can also savor the Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival and Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz & R&B Festival.

Sports in Henderson

The Las Vegas metro area has its own growing sports scene. The Las Vegas Raiders recently relocated to Las Vegas, turning the city into an NFL playground. You can also root for the Las Vegas Lights soccer team, Las Vegas 51s baseball team, Las Vegas Knights hockey team, and Las Vegas Aces basketball team.

Top Universities in Henderson

While you'll find plenty of higher learning institutions around Las Vegas, Henderson also has a few options within city limits. Students attend Nevada State College for its 60 majors and minors, focusing on technology, innovation, and career development. In addition, the Roseman University of Health Sciences offers a wide variety of healthcare education and career opportunities.

What Neighborhood in Henderson Should You Make Your Home?

Not sure where to live in Henderson? Here are some cities to choose from.

Paradise Hills

Paradise Hills is a peaceful, maintained community with walking trails into the hillside. This relatively new community dates back to the mid-90s and continues to see new condos, townhouses, lofts, and single-family homes. You're also not far from the U.S. Route 95 for quick access into the rest of the metro area.

Green Valley Ranch

Green Valley Ranch is an upscale, 1,310-acre master-planned community. You'll find retail, office space, parks, recreational centers, and pedestrian paths connecting the community. It's also home to the renowned Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa, with expansive pools and gardens.

McCullough Hills

McCullough Hills is known for its stunning views, trails, and opportunities for biking and horseback riding. You're also just north of the Dragonridge Country Club if you love golf.

Mission Hills

Mission Hills is a haven for renters with plenty of modern condos and apartment complexes to choose from. The Vegas Strip isn't fair, but you're far enough away to enjoy the quieter pace of the Henderson area.

Lake Las Vegas

The 320-acre reservoir of Lake Las Vegas stands out in the desert landscape of Nevada. This upscale community attracts young professionals, families, and retirees looking for creature comforts near urban amenities. Locals enjoy living in an oasis minutes from McCarran Airport and the Las Vegas Trip.

Learn more about some of the neighborhoods in Las Vegas and its metro area.

Final Thoughts

Ready to move to Henderson and take advantage of the warm weather, area amenities, and high quality of life? Register for Apartment List and start exploring popular neighborhoods and apartment complexes today.

FAQs: Things to Know Before Moving to Henderson

What's the weather like in Henderson?

Henderson summers are hot, with temperatures soaring past 100 degrees in July. Winters are mild, with lows in the mid-30s.

Fortunately, the year-round weather is usually comfortable and dry with tons of sunshine. Henderson gets 297 days of sunshine a year instead of the U.S. average of 205 sunny days.

What's the timezone in Henderson?

Henderson's time zone is Pacific/Daylight Time (P.T. and/or PDT), depending on the time of year. If it is 12 pm in New York City, it is 9 am in Henderson.

What are the taxes in Henderson?

There is no state income tax in Henderson or the rest of Nevada. On the downside, Nevada charges among the highest tax rates in the nation at 4.6%. Local sales tax can also raise that figure up to 8.375%.

What to do in Henderson?

Despite the heat, outdoor fun is also on the menu in Henderson. Visitors stop by The Lion Habitat Ranch to see the family of lions and cubs cared for by an informative and lively staff. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve or Lake Las Vegas are also popular ways to spend the morning.

On hot days, locals cool off at the Cowabunga Bay Water Park. Milder days are ideal for hiking and exploring around the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Henderson is home to the M Resort Casino and Sunset Station Casino for gambling opportunities.

What are the benefits of moving to Henderson?

Henderson is an appealing option for young professionals, families, and retirees looking for a quieter lifestyle without compromising urban amenities. You have plenty of shops and restaurants around Henderson, but 15 miles or less to Las Vegas.

What are the pros and cons of living in Henderson?

Henderson features upscale living in a suburban setting with trails, reservoirs, golf courses, dining, shopping, and more. If it feels too sleepy at night, the bright lights and casinos of The Las Vegas Strip are just minutes away.

What are the best neighborhoods to move to in Henderson?

Henderson is a desirable area for Las Vegas newcomers looking for a high quality of life. There are dozens of neighborhoods to choose from that boast shopping, dining, quality schools, and recreational trails, including Paradise Hills, Green Valley Ranch, McCullough Hills, Mission Hills, and Lake Las Vegas.

What's it like living in Henderson?

Henderson is considerably more laid-back than Las Vegas and offers hiking and biking trails, golfing, spas, dining, shopping, and more. You don't need to head into Las Vegas to grow a career in manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation, and warehousing.

What jobs are popular in Henderson?

Henderson's job market and economy primarily focus on manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation, and warehousing. If you want other options, you're minutes from Las Vegas to grow tourism, gaming, and entertainment careers.

What universities are in Henderson?

Henderson offers several higher learning institutions. Students attend Nevada State College for its 60 majors and minors, focusing on technology, innovation, and career development. The Roseman University of Health Sciences offers a wide variety of healthcare education and career opportunities.

What are things to do in Henderson?

Henderson locals spend their time biking, hiking, and enjoying the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve and Lake Las Vegas. When summer temperatures hit their peaks, locals head to the Cowabunga Bay Water Park.

There's not a lot of nightlife around Henderson, but you can try your luck at M Resort Casino and Sunset Station Casino. You can also imbibe at the first legal distillery in the state, The Las Vegas Distillery.

How much is an apartment in Henderson?

A one-bedroom apartment costs $1,318 in Henderson. A two bedroom apartment costs $1,538.

How expensive is it to live in Henderson?

A one bedroom apartment in Henderson costs $1,318. A two bedroom apartment costs $1,538. A single resident can expect to pay $5,316 on transportation in Henderson and a family of four will spend around $14,058. For food, expect to pay $4,686 for a single adult or $13,802 for a family of four.

What is a good salary in Henderson?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Henderson is $79,611. However, it's recommended you spend no more than 30% of your monthly gross income on rent. If you rent a one bedroom apartment in Henderson for $1,318, you should earn at least $52,720 a year. If you rent a two bedroom apartment for $1,538, you should earn at least $61,520.