California has the highest state income tax in the U.S. (13.3%, plus 1% MHST above $1M). Nevada has none. California property tax averages 1.10% of market value; Clark County runs about 0.55%. Enter your income and a target home price to see what your move could save you in year one — and over a decade.
Nevada has no state income tax and property tax rates roughly half of California’s. Enter your household income and the price of a Nevada home to see how much your move could save you in year one — and over a decade.
| California | Nevada | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | $15,304 | $0 | $15,304 |
| Property tax (year 1) | $8,250 | $4,125 | $4,125 |
| Year-1 total | $19,429 | ||
Estimate only. CA income tax uses 2026 inflation-adjusted brackets and the standard deduction; property tax assumes 1.10% CA effective rate (Prop 13 + assessments) and 0.55% Clark County effective rate. 10-year projection compounds the tax base at 3% per year. Consult a CPA before making relocation decisions.
Nevada is one of nine zero-income-tax states. California taxes ordinary income at 1% – 13.3% across nine brackets, with a Mental Health Services Tax surcharge of 1% above $1M for a top combined rate of 14.3%. The savings compound year after year.
Nevada caps property tax at 3.64% of assessed value, but assessed value is set at 35% of taxable value and primary residences get a 3% annual abatement. The result: an effective rate of about 0.55% of market value for an owner-occupied home — roughly half of California’s 1.10% average.
Nevada has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax. The federal estate tax still applies above the federal exemption ($13.99M per individual in 2026), but you keep what California’s future state-level proposals would have taken.
California taxes long-term capital gains as ordinary income — up to 13.3%. Nevada has no state-level capital gains tax. For a high-net-worth household selling appreciated stock, a property, or a business, this is often the single largest line item.
No. Nevada is one of nine U.S. states with zero personal state income tax. California, by comparison, has the highest top marginal state income tax in the country at 13.3% (14.3% on income above $1M with the Mental Health Services Tax surcharge).
California property tax effective rates run about 1.10% of market value (1% Prop 13 base + voter-approved assessments). Clark County, Nevada effective rates run about 0.55% for an owner-occupied primary residence after the 3% annual abatement. That is roughly half of California, year after year.
It produces a defensible estimate using 2026 California income tax brackets, the standard deduction, and statewide-average property tax effective rates. It does not account for itemized deductions, capital gains, AMT, or city-specific assessments. Have a CPA review your specific situation before relocating.
Only on California-source income earned before your move, plus any California-source income you continue to earn (rental real estate located in California, partnership income from a California-based entity, etc.). The Franchise Tax Board scrutinizes residency claims — keep a clean paper trail: NV driver license, voter registration, primary-home declaration, days spent in each state.
Nevada combined state + local sales tax in Clark County is 8.375%; California averages around 8.75% with cities like Los Angeles hitting 9.5%. Difference is small for sales tax — the meaningful savings are on income and property.
Nevada residency is established the day you intend to make the state your permanent home and take the steps to back it up — registering to vote, getting a NV driver license, registering vehicles, declaring your home as your primary residence. For California to release you from residency, the FTB typically wants to see you out for at least 18 consecutive months with clear intent.
Nevada Real Estate Group has helped 6,225+ California families relocate to the Las Vegas valley over the last 16 years. Get a personal relocation plan — neighborhood matching, school zoning, timeline, and a CPA referral if you want a second opinion on the tax numbers.