Earning a 6-figure salary has long been the gold standard of financial success. But depending on where you live, that $100,000 can either feel like a jackpot or a major disappointment. A recent study by ConsumerAffairs analyzed the true take-home value of a $100K salary across the 100 largest U.S. cities. It factored in federal, state, and local taxes, and regional cost of living.
How does Las Vegas stack up?
If you’re earning 6-figures in Sin City, you’re actually sitting in a pretty sweet spot. Las Vegas ranked an impressive 16th nationwide. Thanks to Nevada having zero state income tax and a relatively reasonable cost of living compared to other hubs, a $100,000 gross salary here adjusts to a solid $81,007 in actual purchasing power.
And if you’re thinking of moving out to the suburbs or heading up north to stretch your dollar….no need to. The study revealed that all major Nevada cities – including Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Reno – are tied for that exact same 16th spot. Whether you’re right by the Strip or up near the Sierras, there isn’t a better or worse big city in Nevada for your wallet.
How do we look compared to other major cities?
It’s a stark contrast to neighboring California, where cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles rank at the absolute bottom. There, earners have barely $62,000 to $63,000 in true value.
Still, if you’re looking for the absolute maximum return on your paycheck, you’d have to head toward the Lone Star State. A combination of zero state income tax and incredibly low housing costs helped Texas claim 4 out of the top 5 spots nationwide:
- Laredo, TX (adjusted value: $89,864)
- El Paso, TX ($87,473)
- Lubbock, TX ($86,800)
- Corpus Christi, TX ($86,419)
- Memphis, TN ($85,391)
Rounding out the top 10 are San Antonio, New Orleans, Tulsa, Wichita, and Fort Wayne. They’re all boasting adjusted post-tax salaries well over the $82K mark.
While going out in Vegas isn’t at all cheap – and it isn’t getting any better – here’s the truth. For Vegas locals, the numbers confirm what many already know: living in the Silver State is a smart financial play. We get to enjoy world-class entertainment, incredible dining, and loads of sunshine.
