Why Nevada is a Homeowner’s Best Friend

When it comes to buying a home in the American West, the sticker price is just the start. Hidden costs sneak into your budget like uninvited houseguests, and they are not cheap dates.

From property taxes to utility bills and everything in between, these costs can quietly drain your wallet year after year.

But there’s a silver lining in the Silver State. Nevada is quietly proving itself to be one of the most homeowner-friendly places in the region when it comes to these sneaky expenses. While your friends in California may be bragging about their ocean views, you can smile knowing your bank account is not gasping for air.

Let’s unpack the numbers and explore how Nevada stacks up against its neighbors, per Bankrate’s 2025 “Hidden Costs of Homeownership Study”.

Hidden Costs That Are Not So Hidden

The national average for hidden costs of homeownership hovers above twenty one thousand dollars per year.

But in Nevada, that number drops to a more budget-friendly nineteen thousand one hundred fifteen dollars. That is still a decent chunk of change, but compared to other western states, it feels downright thrifty.

Here is the breakdown of Nevada’s annual hidden homeownership costs:

  Total Annual Hidden Costs: $19,115

•     Property Tax: $4,032
•     Homeowners Insurance: $2,628
•     Utilities and Energy: $3,613
•     Internet and Cable: $1,440
•     Home Maintenance: $7,400

Neighborly Comparisons

Let’s be honest, no one enjoys spending seven grand on roof repairs and leaky pipes, but it sure beats paying even more for the privilege elsewhere. While Nevada is not exactly a clearance-rack deal, it is a smart buy.

It is one thing to know Nevada’s costs. It is another to see how much more your wallet would whimper if you packed up and moved next door. Let’s take a look at what it costs to own a home in some of Nevada’s western neighbors.

• California: A full 13,147 dollars more than Nevada. This price jump is mostly thanks to towering property taxes and sky-high maintenance costs.
• Washington: Takes the prize for some of the highest maintenance and internet costs in the country. Between the rain and the routers, homeowners pay a steep price.
•  Oregon: Nearly 4,000 dollars more than Nevada, driven by elevated maintenance and utility costs. Turns out the trees and the breweries do not come cheap.
•  Utah: Costs more than Nevada, especially in home maintenance.
•  Arizona: More expensive due to higher utility and maintenance expenses. Those desert air conditioners do not power themselves.
•  Idaho: Maintenance tips the scales slightly higher.

A Wallet-Friendly Oasis

The moral of the story? You do not have to flee to a different time zone to save on homeownership. Just living in Nevada instead of California could save you more than 1,000 dollars a month in hidden costs. That is enough for many steak dinners or, you know, actual savings.

Here is what makes Nevada a wise choice for the financially savvy homeowner:

•   Lower Property Taxes: Nevada’s property taxes are among the lowest in the West.
•   Reasonable Insurance Costs: Homeowners insurance in Nevada is a manageable number when compared to flood-prone or wildfire-heavy states.
•   Tame Utility Costs: Nevada beats out states with harsher priced energy.
•   Modest Internet and Cable: Nevada’s digital connectivity does not come with premium pricing. Stream away without stressing your budget.
•   Home Maintenance That Will Not Destroy You: Nevada’s maintenance costs keep you grounded without sacrificing livability.

If you are looking for long-term financial sanity, Nevada quietly shines. The lower hidden costs mean more flexibility for homeowners, more cushion in case of emergencies, and a little more fun in the budget if things go according to plan.

Where Homeownership Gets Pricey

Nevada may be one of the West’s best values, but where does it stand in the grand scheme of the entire country?

Let’s take a look at the top ten most expensive states for homeownership based on annual hidden costs.

• Hawaii — $34,573/year
• California — $32,262/year
• New Jersey — $29,751/year
• Massachusetts — $29,277/year
• Washington — $27,444/year
• Connecticut — $27,170/year
• New Hampshire — $25,870/year
• Colorado — $25,766/year
• Florida — $24,713/year
• Rhode Island — $23,885/year

Notice a trend? Nevada is nowhere near this list. In fact, it sits comfortably in the lower-middle tier nationwide, far from the budget blowers like Hawaii or California.

If you are house hunting in the western United States and wondering how to make your money stretch a little further, Nevada may just be the unsung hero you are looking for.

For first-time buyers, retirees on a fixed income, or anyone who just wants to own a home without turning their budget into a crime scene, Nevada is worth serious consideration. It offers comfort to make homeownership feel secure and savings to make it feel smart.