Reno, NV Relocation Guide (2026)
Cost of living, housing, and income data for Reno, sourced from the US Census Bureau.
Salary needed to live in Reno →
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.
Reno counts roughly 265,196 residents, and the median household brings in $73,073 annually — +1% relative to the cities in our dataset, putting incomes here roughly in line with the pack.
In Reno, the median home is valued at $462,100 — above the median across the cities we track (+41%) — and typical rent runs $1,360 a month. Factor in mortgage rates and property taxes when sizing up whether buying pencils out.
At roughly 6.3 times median income, Reno's home values rank among the more stretched we track — buying here takes a larger share of local pay. Home prices near Reno have risen a steady 2.44% over the past year — measured growth, not a spike. Natural-hazard exposure in Reno is rated Relatively High by FEMA, on the elevated end — something to check with insurers before buying.
Personal Affordability Check
Renting at $1,360/mo in Reno would take 22.3% of your income.
$467/mo under the 30% guideline.
Buying the median home ($462,100) would take 40.5% of your income toward principal & interest.
$762/mo over the 28% guideline.
Cost of housing in Reno
Median home value is $462,100 and median gross rent is $1,360/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.
FHFA's county-level home price index for Washoe rose 2.44% over the past year (as of 2025).
HUD's FY 2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit in the surrounding county is $1,870/month.
Climate & home insurance
FEMA rates Reno's overall natural-hazard risk as Relatively High. Risk level is a major driver of home insurance premiums.
Safety
Reno reported a violent crime rate of 550.6 per 100,000 residents in 2025, per FBI data.
Moving to Reno
Planning a move to Reno? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cost of living in Reno, NV?
- Housing drives most of the cost-of-living picture in Reno — median home value of $462,100, median rent of $1,360/month — set against a median household income of $73,073 (US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022)).
- How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Reno?
- At Reno's median rent of $1,360/month, the 30%-of-income guideline suggests an annual income around $54,400 to stay comfortably housed. See the full salary breakdown (renting and buying) for Reno.
- Is it better to rent or buy in Reno?
- Buying at Reno's median home value of $462,100 takes about $105,726 a year in principal-and-interest income (20% down, 30-year fixed, current mortgage rates), compared with roughly $54,400 a year to comfortably rent at the median $1,360/month. Down payment and expected length of stay usually settle the question.
- Is Reno safe?
- FBI data puts Reno's violent crime rate at 550.6 per 100,000 residents for 2025 — a useful benchmark alongside other cities you're weighing.
See the full salary breakdown for Reno →
Cities with a similar cost of living
Matched on median rent and household income within 15% of Reno's.