California vs Nevada
California vs. Nevada Property Taxes – A Data‑Driven Comparison
Intro
Both California and Nevada are large western states with sizable real‑estate markets, but they differ markedly in how much homeowners pay in property taxes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Nevada’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than California’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison of Key Metrics
| Metric | California | Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.49 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $406,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $1,970 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,213 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $2,425 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $75,561 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Nevada
- Tax‑rate difference: Nevada’s rate of 0.49 % is 0.22 percentage points lower than California’s 0.71 %.
- Relative difference: This represents a 31.5 % lower effective rate.
- Annual tax gap for a $250 k home: $558 less in Nevada.
- Annual tax gap for a $500 k home: $1,117 less in Nevada.
The lower effective rate means that, based on the most recent ACS estimates, Nevada imposes a smaller property‑tax burden on homeowners at any given home price.
Which Audience Benefits Most From This Comparison?
| Audience | Why the data matters |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax component of housing costs helps in budgeting and comparing affordability across states. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property taxes can be a significant recurring expense; lower rates may make Nevada more attractive for those relying on limited income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates affect cash‑flow projections and net return calculations. |
| Policy analysts & local officials | The side‑by‑side figures provide a baseline for evaluating tax‑policy impacts and potential reforms. |
The comparison is most relevant for individuals and entities evaluating overall housing affordability rather than for those solely focused on other cost‑of‑living factors (e.g., sales taxes, insurance, or utility rates).
Further Reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax system: /california-property-tax
- Detailed information on Nevada’s property‑tax system: /nevada-property-tax
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) and reflect median values and effective rates at the state level.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.