Phoenix vs. Las Vegas: Which Southwest Retirement Spot Is for You?

Which southwest city is right for your retirement?

5 minute read

Phoenix is a popular destination for active adults and retirees, but in recent years, Las Vegas has also become a hotspot. Both locations offer warm climates, relatively low living costs, outdoor recreation, and desirable attractions. Let’s explore some of the main similarities and differences between these top retirement destinations.

Climate

Red sand and rock formations with desert shrubs in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada

Las Vegas and Phoenix both enjoy dry, sunny climates, making them popular destinations for retirees. During the summer, temperatures can soar in both locations. However, Vegas doesn’t reguarly reach the same blistering temperatures as in Phoenix.

Average highs in the middle of summer are 101° to 105° in Las Vegas, while average highs in Phoenix are about 104° to 106°. In winter, both cities have very tolerable temperatures. The average winter low in Phoenix ranges from 44° to 48°, while Las Vegas sees slightly cooler temperatures with average lows of around 38° to 42°.

55+ Communities

Lounge chairs surrounding an outdoor pool at Sun City in Arizona

Phoenix is home to the first 55+ community in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that this area gives homebuyers plenty of options. The original Sun City set the stage for similar communities that were developed in the Phoenix area, many of which have resort-like amenities and bustling social scenes. There are over 80 active adult communities near Phoenix, ranging from small and intimate to some with thousands of homes.

Las Vegas isn’t too far behind, with 30 active adult communities that cater to a wide range of interests. Sun City Summerlin boasts world-class amenities similar to Phoenix’s Sun City, and it has over 7,000 homes. Las Vegas is also home to more intimate communities, such as Rancho Las Brisas, which has 180 homes for a tight-knit feel.

Entertainment

Sunset view of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada

In terms of entertainment options, Las Vegas is a clear winner. The area is home to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, which has a nearly endless array of restaurants, shopping spots, hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. Homeowners in Las Vegas have easy access to world-class entertainment of all kinds.

Although Las Vegas has unbeatable nightlife, sports lovers might feel more at home in Phoenix. Phoenix is one of only 13 cities in the U.S. to have teams in all four major professional sports leagues, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. The metropolitan area also hosts an entire spring training league for the MLB.

Medical Services and Health Care

The Mayo Clinic Phoenix campus in Phoenix, Arizona
Image credited to Thomas Trompeter / Shutterstock.com

Homeowners whose main priority is being close to top-notch medical care would probably feel more comfortable in Phoenix. However, both areas are served by the VA Health Care System, allowing veterans to receive comprehensive medical care.

Phoenix takes the lead in quality health care due to the prestigious Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic’s Phoenix campus was named the number one hospital in Arizona. Locals can also visit Banner University Medical Center Phoenix for their healthcare needs, which is nationally ranked in three specialties.

While Las Vegas doesn’t have any nationally ranked hospitals, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) is a top provider in the area. It’s affiliated with UNLV School of Medicine and has the only Level 1 trauma center in the state.

Cost of Living

Twilight view of Downtown Phoenix in Arizona

Both Phoenix and Las Vegas offer a reasonable cost of living. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Las Vegas is slightly higher than Phoenix. Also, both cities have a median home cost in the mid $300s.

Nevada has no state income tax, but the sales tax rate for Las Vegas is 8.375%. Arizona’s income tax rates range from 2.59% to 4.5%. Phoenix has below-average rates in terms of income and property tax, but it does have a fairly high sales tax rate at 8.6%. Potential homebuyers will find that Phoenix and Las Vegas are pretty evenly matched in terms of cost of living.

Outdoor Activities

Scenic desert cliffs and spectacular rock formations at Red Rock Canyon State Park in Nevada

Arizona and Nevada are both home to serene deserts and stunning mountain ranges, making them a paradise for those who love the outdoors. Less than an hour’s drive away from Phoenix is Canyon Lake, a popular spot for swimming and water sports.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park is also about an hour’s drive from Phoenix, and it offers over 21,000 acres of pristine desert landscapes. There are more than 40 miles of hiking trails and plenty of sites for camping.

While most people think nightlife is all that Vegas has to offer, a short drive outside the city offers some impressive outdoor recreation. Located just 17 miles from downtown Vegas is Red Rock Canyon.

This national conservation area offers spectacular rock formations and desert vistas. Another popular spot is Valley of Fire State Park. This park is a little over 55 miles away from Las Vegas, and it’s famous for its vibrant sandstone formations and 3,000-year-old petroglyphs.

Overall, Las Vegas and Phoenix both offer vibrant, social lifestyles for active adults. Browse our current listings to learn more about age-restricted communities in the Phoenix and Las Vegas areas.

Aerial view of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona at sunset.

Phoenix Homebuying Guide

Want to retire in Phoenix, Arizona? Our guide can help you take the first step.

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

We're here to help! (800) 928-2055

Call us to speak with a customer service representative.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get Weekly Updates

I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. I understand that my consent is not a prerequisite for buying a property. I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting optout@55places.com. Message/data rates may apply. I also agree to 55places.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The Best Places to Snowbird in 2021

We’ve gathered 25 of the best places for snowbirds, including cities in Florida, Arizona, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Nevada. For each entry, we’ve also provided a list of recommended 55+ communities in the area. If you’re ready to find your own winter retreat this season, here are some of the best places to consider.

Retired woman enjoys swimming in her active adult community.

Your Guide To Exploring Types of Active Adult Communities

If you’re considering downsizing and upgrading to a more carefree lifestyle, you may be surprised to find how many types of active adult communities there are. Explore the right active adult communities for you with our guide.

A boat pier at sunrise in Lake Placid, Florida.

Lake Placid Living: A Look at 55+ Communities in This Central Florida Gem

8 minute read Located in the heart of Central Florida, Lake Placid offers the best qualities of small-town America. Surrounded by scenic lakes, nature preserves, and cultural attractions, the “Town of Murals” is perfect for active adults. With two 55+ communities in Lake Placid—Covered Bridge and Tomoka Heights—the area’s affordability makes it an appealing option

Relaxed 55+ adults camping with friends and drinking a cup of coffee while enjoying retirement.

How to Choose the Right Retirement Community for You

Choosing the right retirement community is an important decision. There are questions you should ask yourself when considering an active adult community. These are some of the most important questions to ask yourself when choosing the retirement community for you, as well as some active adult communities to consider.

Mature couple plays tennis, enjoying an active adult lifestyle.

How Can I Be Sure the Active Adult Lifestyle Is Right for Me?

As you approach retirement, it’s natural for your lifestyle needs to change. That lively neighborhood with young families may have been perfect in the past. However, now you might prefer something different. What does an active adult lifestyle involve?

About 55places

We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

Scroll to Top