Cost of Living in Carson, NV

Population 58,364 · Nevada · Data vintage 2023

120
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Carson's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $71,809 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.

Carson is about 30 miles south of Reno, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Reno's $499,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 140
Rent 89

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Carson

The median home value in Carson is $426,700 — 40% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,172/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,809/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Nevada charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 59.2°F and lows of 29.1°F. Overall, Carson has a cost of living index of 120 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$426,700
40% above avg
Median Rent
$1,172/mo
11% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$961
1 BR
$1,006
2 BR
$1,320
3 BR
$1,821
4 BR
$2,217
Owner-occupied 63.2%
Renter-occupied 36.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,172
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,786/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.7 min
12% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.9%
Carpooled
13.6%
Public transit
1.5%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
8.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.8%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$71,809
4% below avg
Per Capita Income
$38,222
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
14% below avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Labor Force Participation
59.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.6%
Graduate degree 8.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.1
Male median age 41.4
Female median age 43.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.2°F
Avg Low
29.1°F
Annual Precip
20.5"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 434348536272808073625143
Low °F 181924283338434135292318
Precip" 2.813.752.871.271.320.550.390.360.281.431.943.49

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
65%
Good air days/yr
105
Max AQI recorded
93
PM2.5 days
270
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Carson, NV?

Carson has a cost index of 120 (100 = national average). It is 20% above the national average.

What is average rent in Carson, NV?

The median gross rent in Carson is $1,172 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Carson?

The median home value in Carson is $426,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Carson?

The median household income in Carson is $71,809 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Carson, NV?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carson is 8.2%. Nevada has no state income tax.

Is Carson, NV affordable?

Carson is above average in cost of living, with an index of 120 — about 20% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Carson?

Carson has average high temperatures of 59.2°F and average lows of 29.1°F. Annual precipitation is 20.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Carson at a Glance

Population
58,364
Median Income
$71,809
Home Value
$426,700
Median Rent
$1,172/mo
Unemployment
4.1%
Avg High Temp
59.2°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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