Planning retirement in Las Vegas requires a full budget picture, not just HOA fees. Here is a realistic complete monthly cost-of-living breakdown for a couple in a Las Vegas 55+ community — covering every significant expense category from housing through entertainment. Two scenarios: moderate and comfortable.
| Expense Category | Moderate | Comfortable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage / Home Ownership Cost | $1,800 | $2,200 | Varies by cash/financed; est. carrying cost |
| HOA Fee | $230 | $230 | Sun City Summerlin — fixed |
| Property Tax | $200 | $200 | ~$2,400/yr on $480K home |
| Homeowners Insurance | $120 | $140 | Low in NV — no hurricane risk |
| Electricity | $220 | $280 | Annual average; peaks to $400+ in summer |
| Gas + Water | $65 | $75 | Low heating load; desert water pricing |
| Internet + Phone + Streaming | $130 | $180 | Cox/Google Fiber + cell + 2–3 streaming |
| Groceries | $550 | $750 | 2 people; Costco/Smith's/Whole Foods mix |
| Dining Out | $300 | $600 | LV has excellent range of prices |
| Healthcare (Medicare supplement/copays) | $400 | $600 | After Medicare; supplement premiums + copays |
| Prescriptions | $100 | $200 | Varies widely by individual needs |
| Transportation (2 cars: gas, insurance, maintenance) | $400 | $550 | LV is car-dependent; reasonable gas prices |
| Entertainment (Strip shows, events, golf, activities) | $200 | $600 | Wide range — LV gives incredible access |
| Travel | $200 | $500 | Monthly allocation for trips |
| Personal care, clothing, misc. | $200 | $350 | |
| TOTAL MONTHLY | ~$5,115 | ~$7,455 | Couple at Sun City Summerlin |
Ardiente or Solera, villa/attached home under $350K, minimal dining out, basic healthcare supplement, drive older cars. Achievable on $45,000–$50,000/year retirement income.
Sun City Summerlin 1,600 sq ft, occasional dining out, Medicare supplement, 2 reasonable cars, modest travel, community events. Achievable on $60,000–$65,000/year.
Siena or Trilogy, larger home, golf membership, regular Strip entertainment, international travel, healthcare covered, generous dining. Achievable on $85,000–$100,000/year.
Nevada's zero income tax means the gross income needed to support each scenario is lower than in most states — a couple needing $60,000/year after tax needs approximately $60,000/year gross in Nevada vs $67,000–$73,000 gross in California, Illinois, or New York. The tax advantage compounds across a 20+ year retirement.
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