California’s all like – have fun at beaches, clubs, shopping malls, hiking trails, and Disneyland. It is an excellent place, home to over 33 million people ranging from college students to retirees. Still, there is a big downside – living there will cost you a lot.
This has caused many people to move to the neighboring state of Nevada, which is also sunny but has a lower cost of living. In this comparison, we will see whether moving from California to Nevada is wise.
Moving to Nevada from California: Worth It?
It’s not only about the budget. It’s all about improving our quality of life and exploring new opportunities that the tax reduction can bring. We have covered all the reasons to make you reconsider before deciding. Therefore, it’s worth investigating further to see for yourself.
Cost of Living
Let’s address the most crucial question – Is Nevada cheaper than California? The answer is yes, and here’s why. Firstly, Nevada doesn’t burden you with taxes like California does.
When it comes to housing, whether it’s renting or buying, Nevada tends to be more affordable than California.
And it’s not just housing – everything from groceries to transportation to healthcare generally costs less in Nevada compared to California.
Nevada taxes vs California
Nevada’s tax laws need to be simplified. California levies taxes on every income, whether you’re an average earner or a millionaire. This means you’ll have to pay over 12% in taxes if you earn a million dollars. Nevada operates under a different tax system.
No individual or corporate income taxes and trust laws are more relaxed. This is an excellent opportunity for startups. Moreover, you don’t have to be an employee to benefit from this tax system. Unlike other places, Nevada doesn’t impose taxes on food and medicine.
The Comparative Landscape
Although both places are eye-catching, you may like Nevada charm more. Here, you may not see the Hollywood sign and sandy beaches, but you will have the opportunity to explore the vast expanses of deserts, canyons, mountainous areas, lakes, and rivers.
You can find many undiscovered caves, state parks, and peaceful villages there.
Nevada vs California: Pros & Cons
We talked about taxes, the cost of living, and landscapes, but let’s get to the point. We will cover the unique features and offerings of both neighboring states. You will learn the pros and cons of living, working, and exploring these iconic destinations!
Pros of Nevada
- In Nevada, the absence of state income tax allows residents to save over 12% more of their paychecks. This provides more long-term savings and financial flexibility for investing, future savings, or spending on goods. As a result, homeownership becomes more attainable for a broader range of individuals and families.
- Nevada has numerous mountains, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as rock climbing and mountain biking. Additionally, the state has many outstanding national parks and forests to explore.
Cons of Nevada
- Limited educational opportunities can affect families with school-age children. Contrarily, urban centers like Las Vegas and Reno provide various academic resources and programs.
- Extreme temperatures between May and October, reaching 100+ degrees, mainly from June to August.
- Limited cultural diversity compared to other states, resulting in less exposure to different cultures.
Pros of California
- Cultural attractions include a wide range of heritage and arts scenes. You can explore world-class museums like the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Additionally, you can take tours of historic landmarks that provide insights into the area’s past.
- The mild climate features comfortable temperatures year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. This temperature allows for early outdoor activities such as hiking and beach outings during much of the year. Unlike regions with more extreme climates, it reduces energy costs.
Cons of California
- The cost of living is high, especially in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or San Diego. Therefore, housing costs are challenging for many residents, leading to issues of affordability and homelessness in some areas.
- Traffic congestion is especially prevalent in urban centers like the San Francisco Bay Area. Heavy traffic and limited public transport options in certain areas lead to high highway crowds and increase residents’ stress levels.
- Crime rates in California vary by city and neighborhood -however, residents of major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco experience high crime rates. Additionally, the rate of property crime, such as theft and burglary, is also high.
California to Nevada: What’s the Move Cost?
The cost of moving depends on several factors, such as the size of the house. For example, if you have a one-bedroom home, you can expect to pay movers between $1,500 and $4,000, while a two- or three-bedroom home will increase the cost to $6,000 to $9,000.
Therefore, every part of the moving process should be planned in detail. We have listed several of the most important factors that should be considered.
Tips for Smooth Relocating to Nevada
Whether relocating for work, school, low taxes, or a fresh start, these tips will help you navigate the process smoothly:
Plan your budget
It’s important to have all the information about expenses, whether they are budget-friendly or not. This includes the costs of moving services, transportation, housing deposits, supplies, and other things associated with relocating to Nevada.
Creating a realistic budget plan should be your first and most crucial step to avoid financial stress later on. Once you have a budget plan, it will be much easier to manage expenses and make decisions.
Gather all supplies
To make it easier for you, create a to-do list and divide it into two categories: packing supplies—items like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, markers, packing paper, and others; and valuable items—items of great material or sentimental value, ID, insurance, and other essential documents.
After you’ve packed everything, do a final check to ensure you have everything.
Arrange parking permits
Before applying for parking permits or temporary passes, check with your local city government or homeowners association regarding parking regulations and required licenses in your area.
Parking rules vary based on the location and regulations of the city or neighborhood you’re moving to. All the necessary information is essential before you start packing and moving to your new home!
Notify all necessary parties of your move
Another important thing you have to do before moving is to notify all crucial parties about your move! That includes:
- Postal services – To ensure your mail is sent to your new address, remember to update it with postal services.
- Relevant government agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration updates and the IRS and Social Security Administration for tax and benefit purposes.
- Banks – notify your bank, credit card company, and other financial institutions you have accounts with.
- Utilities – contact your utility providers (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.) to connect at your new address.
- Employer – If you do not plan to find a new job, inform your employer of your new address in time for payroll and HR purposes.
This will ensure a smooth transition to your new home and minimize any issues associated with your old address.
Sell or donate items you no longer use
Relocating to another place is the perfect opportunity to do a significant inventory clean up and get a fresh start.
Get rid of everything that fits you and has no value by selling, donating, or discarding before you move. Not only will you feel better, but you will also save time and money on moving expenses.
Hire reliable movers
Start by researching a moving company specializing in long-distance moves from California to Nevada. Stay focused on companies with positive reviews and ratings from previous customers.
In addition, get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently moved for recommendations on moving companies they have had good experience with.
However, ensure that the moving companies are licensed and insured to operate in California and Nevada so that you will visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website.
Finally, if you have any additional questions, contact the moving companies. Also, pay attention to red flags such as a large deposit upfront or a history of legal issues.
Ready to Pack? Let’s Get Moving to Nevada!
Moving from California to Nevada has several benefits, including a lower cost of living, no state income tax, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.
However, there are drawbacks, such as limited educational options, high temperatures, and less cultural diversity than California.
So, when comparing living in California versus Nevada, it’s essential to consider your priorities and preferences.
Additionally, thorough planning, preparation, and hiring of a reliable moving crew are necessary for a smooth relocation process to ensure a successful transition to your new home.