Scranton vs Las Vegas for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Scranton Pennsylvania | Las Vegas Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $850Better | $1,300 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,400Better | $2,100 |
| Median home price | $165KBetter | $380K |
| Median household income | $46K | $60KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,079Better | $1,378 |
| State income tax | 3.1% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6%Better | 8.4% |
| Monthly utilities | $165Better | $190 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95Better | 99 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Scranton or Las Vegas?
Scranton and Las Vegas are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Scranton vs Las Vegas?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,400/month in Scranton and $2,100/month in Las Vegas. Scranton is 33% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Scranton or Las Vegas?
The price-to-income ratio in Scranton is 3.6× ($165K median home, $46K median income). In Las Vegas it's 6.3× ($380K home, $60K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Scranton is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Scranton vs Las Vegas?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,079/month in Scranton and $1,378/month in Las Vegas, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$3,588/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Scranton has a 3.1% state income tax rate vs Las Vegas has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $310/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Scranton has the same purchasing power as $128K in Las Vegas
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026