Living in Boulder City or Henderson? Cost Breakdown

Boulder City, NV vs. Henderson, NV: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

Considering a move to southern Nevada? This article provides a practical cost of living comparison between Boulder City and Henderson. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life monthly expenses of living in these two cities in 2025.

A quiet residential street in Boulder City, Nevada in the early morning light
An early morning on a typical street in Boulder City, where affordable homes and a quieter pace of life attract budget-conscious residents.

Which city wins on cost in 2025: Boulder City or Henderson?

The short answer: Boulder City has a lower overall cost of living, with more affordable housing and slightly lower utility bills. However, Henderson offers some cost advantages too, especially for transportation and everyday purchases. Let’s break it down:

1. Housing Costs

Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Boulder City and Henderson. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:

Housing TypeBoulder CityHenderson
Median 2BR Apartment Rent$1,250$1,495
Median 3BR House Mortgage$1,850$2,200

πŸ† Winner: Boulder City. A household moving from Henderson to Boulder City might save $400/month on housing alone.

2. Utilities and Energy Costs

Both cities experience hot summers, so expect air conditioning to drive up electric bills from June to September. However, Boulder City residents report slightly lower utility costs overall:

  • Boulder City: $180-$250/month
  • Henderson: $200-$280/month

πŸ† Winner: Boulder City, but not by much. Enrolling in off-peak usage plans can help lower costs in both cities.

A walkable street of local businesses beside homes in Henderson, Nevada at dusk
An evening street scene in Henderson, where locally-owned shops, walkable blocks, and nearby amenities can provide everyday value and convenience for residents.

3. Groceries and Daily Expenses

Henderson has more large grocery stores and retail options, which contributes to lower average monthly expenses on food, household items, and everyday purchases compared to Boulder City:

  • Boulder City: $500-$700/month for groceries and essentials
  • Henderson: $450-$650/month

Eating out is also a bit cheaper in Henderson, with entrees at local restaurants averaging $12-$18 vs. $14-$22 in Boulder City.

πŸ† Winner: Henderson

4. Taxes and Fees

Neither city has state income tax, but Henderson has a slightly lower property tax rate of 0.71% vs. 0.78% in Boulder City. However, many neighborhoods in Henderson have HOA fees of $50-$300/month, while only a few communities in Boulder City charge these.

πŸ† Winner: Tie. Lower property taxes in Henderson can be offset by HOA fees that are less common in Boulder City.

Cost of Living Summary

CategoryBoulder CityHenderson
Housing (3BR house)$1,850$2,200
Utilities$220$240
Groceries & Essentials$600$550
Transportation$500$450
Taxes & Fees$600$550
Misc Costs$400$400
Estimated Monthly Total$4,170$4,390

Note: All figures are estimates based on pre-tax monthly income. See a full cost of living breakdown for Boulder City here.

Lifestyle Fit

While Boulder City is cheaper overall, Henderson can be a better fit for some lifestyles:

  • Henderson has more housing options, especially apartments and condos
  • Henderson averages 5Β°F cooler than Boulder City in the summer
  • Boulder City is quieter and less densely developed
  • Henderson has more shopping, dining and entertainment

FAQ

Is Boulder City more affordable than Henderson?
Yes, the cost of living is about 5% lower in Boulder City, mainly due to cheaper housing.

Which city has lower rent?
Rent is around 15-20% lower in Boulder City compared to similar apartments in Henderson.

Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Boulder City has lower median home prices, with a typical mortgage payment of $1,850/month vs. $2,200/month in Henderson.

Conclusion

While Boulder City has the overall cost of living advantage, with lower housing costs and utility bills, Henderson can be more budget-friendly for some households – especially those that value walkability, transit access, and retail convenience.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your family’s needs, lifestyle priorities, and monthly budget. We recommend visiting both cities and calculating your own personalized cost of living based on your unique expenses and housing criteria.