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Getting out ofCalifornia
A moving truck heading toward Nevada on Interstate 15

FAQ

Everything Californians ask before they move to Nevada.

Taxes, residency, timing, neighborhoods and how Ron works. If your question isn't here, call — it's a 20-minute conversation.

Ron Glogovsky

By Ron Glogovsky, Nevada REALTOR® S.0204927
Last updated

Do I really pay no state income tax in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada has no personal income tax on wages, self-employment income, capital gains, retirement distributions, pensions or Social Security. It is written into the Nevada Constitution and would take a vote of the people to change. Nevada funds itself through sales tax, gaming tax and a modest property tax instead.

How much can I actually save by moving from California to Nevada?

It depends on income. A household earning $200,000 pays roughly $13,000–$15,000 a year in California state income tax that disappears in Nevada; at $500,000 the figure is closer to $45,000. Add lower housing, utilities, gas and insurance and most clients see a five-figure annual difference. Use the calculator on this site for a personalised estimate, then confirm it with your CPA.

Will California still try to tax me after I move?

California's Franchise Tax Board audits residency more aggressively than any other state. The test is where your 'closest connections' are: home, spouse and children, driver's license, voter registration, doctors, bank accounts, clubs, and where you actually spend your days. Do the relocation cleanly, document it, and keep a day count. Income earned from California sources (a California rental, for example) stays taxable in California regardless of where you live.

How long does it take to become a Nevada resident?

You are a Nevada resident the day you move with the intent to stay. Nevada requires a Nevada driver's license and vehicle registration within 30 days. For tax purposes what matters is the evidence of your move, so most clients change license, registration, voter registration and their primary bank the same month they close.

Should I sell my California home before I buy in Nevada?

Not always. Nevada inventory and pricing let many clients buy first and sell second, which avoids a double move and temporary housing. Ron walks through your timeline and both paths on the first call; discuss your equity and loan options with your lender. Remember that a California sale by a non-resident is subject to 3⅓% state withholding at closing, which you reconcile on your final California return.

What is the housing market like in Las Vegas and Henderson right now?

Median prices in the Las Vegas valley sit in the low-to-mid $400,000s, roughly half of California's statewide median and a third of coastal Southern California. Luxury communities such as MacDonald Highlands, The Ridges and Lake Las Vegas run from $1.5 million into the tens of millions. Inventory is healthier than it was in 2021–2022, so buyers have room to negotiate.

Is Las Vegas just the Strip?

No. The Strip is a four-mile corridor. Henderson, Summerlin, Green Valley and the southwest valley are master-planned suburbs with A-rated schools, parks, trails and golf that most residents rarely leave. Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead and Mount Charleston are 30–45 minutes from almost anywhere.

Who handles mortgage financing?

Ron helps with your Nevada home search and purchase. If you need a mortgage, discuss pre-approval, loan options and terms directly with a lender of your choice.

What about moving my business or LLC?

Nevada has no corporate income tax, no personal income tax and no franchise tax on most small businesses, and its business-court and asset-protection statutes are among the strongest in the country. Whether you re-domicile an existing entity or form a new one is a question for your attorney and CPA; Ron can introduce you to both.

How far is Las Vegas from Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area?

Los Angeles is about 270 miles, roughly four hours by car or 50 minutes by air. San Diego is about 330 miles. The Bay Area and Sacramento are 90-minute flights with multiple daily nonstops from Harry Reid International Airport. Most relocating families keep their California relationships intact.

Does it cost anything to work with Ron as a buyer?

Buyer representation is discussed and agreed in writing before you tour, as Nevada law requires. In most transactions the seller pays some or all of the buyer's agent compensation; Ron walks you through exactly how it works on your first call.

What if I decide to stay in California after all?

Then you should have a great agent there. Ron refers clients to trusted California agents and stays on as your Nevada resource whenever the timing is right.

Ready to see what your California budget buys in Nevada?

One call with Ron covers the neighborhoods, the numbers and the timeline. No pressure — just a plan.

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