Nevada was originally known as the “Battle Born State” because it became a state during the Civil War.
Several Native American tribes inhabited the area before Europeans arrived and gave the region the name Nevada, after the snowy mountains.
The 19th-century silver rush brought fortune to many people.
Towns boomed with fortune seekers who hoped to strike it rich.
The gambling that came to Las Vegas led to the next population boom.
Residents may pay higher prices to live in the more populous cities and areas frequented by gamblers.
Living in one of the cheapest places in Nevada does not mean that people live in a boring city.
Many places in the state offer great family life, good schools, and entertainment, which makes these areas a desirable choice for people who choose not to live in higher-priced areas of Nevada.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Nevada
1. Boulder City
Boulder City was originally founded by the federal government to house workers who built the Hoover Dam.
People who enjoy living in a city filled with rich history, buildings, and homes with architectural interest, will likely enjoy living in Boulder City.
The city appeals to all ages and family sizes.
The nearby shores of Lake Mead provide plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, as do local parks and attractions.
People who prefer to live in a historical area will appreciate the Boulder Dam Hotel.
It was visited by notables that include Bette Davis, Howard Hughes, and Shirley Temple.
Live 26 miles from Las Vegas where there is a small city feel with plenty of things to do.
The cost of living is just over the national average.
2. Pioche
People who want to save money on their living expenses and who like the small, historic town lifestyle may want to consider living in Pioche.
The unincorporated town still attracts tourists who want to explore the step back in time to when Pioche was a thriving silver mining town.
The cost of buying a home and the cost of renting a property are significantly lower than the average cost of renting or buying a home in the U.S. and in the state of Nevada.
Some other expenses, such as transportation and food are also lower in Pioche, compared to the state and national average for these necessities.
3. Winchester
Winchester has exploded in population growth over the past several years, yet it is still a smaller city.
Fewer than 35,000 residents live in the city.
People who like hot, dry weather are likely to enjoy living in Winchester, NV.
The shopping and dining options give residents a place to enjoy the feel of a larger city.
Attractions such as the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument provide excitement and opportunities to explore the area.
The cost of housing and the overall cost of living in Winchester is lower than the national averages for housing and the overall cost of living expenses.
4. Lovelock
Explore the rich history of Lovelock while enjoying the peaceful community of about 2,000 people.
Escape the big cities and enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or finding your adventure when you live in Lovelock.
The area was once underwater, then became home to the Northern Paiute people.
Lovelock Cave has been a sacred place for the Northern Paiute.
Archaeological discoveries in the cave date back thousands of years.
Residents and visitors can see historic buildings, mining equipment, and artifacts.
The history and community spirit are some factors that make some people choose to live in Lovelock.
One more attraction that draws people to live in Lovelock is that it is among the cheapest places to live in Nevada.
The cost of renting in Lovelock is more than 60 percent lower than the national average.
The cost of buying a home in Lovelock is more than 80 percent lower than the national average.
5. Winnemucca
The median income for people who live in Winnemucca is slightly higher than the national average, yet the cost of housing in Winnemucca is lower than average.
The cost of buying a home is more than 25 percent below the median home price.
The cost of renting a two-bedroom property is also lower than average rental costs for a similarly sized property.
The overall cost of living in the town is also below the national average.
Enjoy a more rural lifestyle, with a lot of outdoor recreational activities for all ages.
Consider biking, hiking, camping, or fishing to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle in a desert mining town.
6. Ely
The town of Ely is the county seat of White Pine County.
It is also the largest town in the county.
People who live in Ely have the amenities of a big city with a small-town experience.
Mountain ranges, national parks, dining, shopping, art, and entertainment venues dot the area.
Ely was originally founded as a stagecoach station and a trading post.
Future residents will discover that the cost of living is well below the state and national average.
The cost of housing is much lower than average, with the median home price at slightly more than 100 percent lower than average.
Renting a home is more than 30 percent below average for a rental property.
7. Whitney
Whitney, Nevada is a suburb of Las Vegas that gives residents a departure from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
The population of around 45,000 residents gives people the opportunity to get to know their neighbors, yet to have their privacy.
The nice weather, with an average high of 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit, the awe-inspiring views, and highly ranked schools are some reasons that residents choose Whitney as their home.
One important reason that people like living in the city is the low cost of living.
The cost of housing in Whitney is much lower than in many other areas of the state.
The cost of buying a home is nearly 40 percent lower than the median home price in other cities.
The cost of renting an apartment or home is also lower than rental costs in other areas.
8. Tonopah
Tonopah, in west-central Nevada, is the county seat of Nye County.
It got its nickname of the Queen of the Silver Camps because of its mining history.
The town, like many others in the state, saw a population boom with the discovery of silver.
Today, it is still a small town, known for its friendly residents and having plenty of things to do around Tonopah.
The famous Clown Motel is in the town.
Residents enjoy the many activities they can engage in at the nearby Toiyabe National Forest.
Some people may enjoy the ghost walks, while others may shy away from the activity.
The one feature that residents are likely to enjoy most is the fact that Tonopah is one of the cheapest places to live in the state of Nevada.
The median home price is more than 115 percent lower than the median home price in the U.S.
The cost of renting a two-bedroom property is 40 percent lower than the national average.
9. Laughlin
The sunny, warm weather of Laughlin, along with its natural beauty, are some things that people like about living in the city.
It is one of the cheapest places to live in the state, despite being a tourist area and being known for its gaming opportunities.
The parks, restaurants, attractions, and other amenities make it a pleasant place to live, especially with its low cost of living.
Renting a home or apartment is about 30 percent lower than the average cost of renting a property.
The median home cost in Laughlin, NV is more than 30 percent lower than the average cost of buying a home.
10. Caliente
Enjoy living in one of the most affordable places in Nevada which is also known for its natural beauty and year-round warm weather.
It also has a lower crime rate than many other areas of the state.
Live a simpler life in Lincoln County, Nevada while also experiencing a low cost of living.
Housing, the major expense for residents, is much lower in Caliente when compared to many other places in the state and the U.S.
Renters pay about 60 percent less than the average rental cost of a two-bedroom property.
The average home price in Caliente is more than 100 percent lower than the average cost of a home outside Caliente.
Nevada Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Nevada Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cost of living in Nevada higher than the average U.S. cost of living?
The cost of living in the state of Nevada is nearly 10 percent higher than the average cost of living in the U.S.
What other things are factored into the cost of living in the cheapest places to live in Nevada besides housing costs?
The other things that are considered in the overall cost of living include the cost of food, healthcare, transportation, utilities, childcare, and taxes.
Are there other affordable places to live in Nevada?
Eureka and Fernley are other affordable communities to live in when considering the cheapest places to live in Nevada.
