Build your monthly budget for Reno. The calculator is pre-filled with realistic local expenses, including $1,450 average rent, so you can see your savings rate against the 50/30/20 rule.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Reno has a cost-of-living index of 107 (US average = 100). Housing is usually the largest line item, with average 1-bedroom rent near $1,450/month. The estimates below are pre-filled in the calculator and scaled to local costs.
| Expense Category | Typical Reno Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom rent) | $1,450/month |
| Food (single person) | $425/month |
| Transportation | $525/month |
| Utilities & Internet | $170/month |
| Healthcare & Insurance | $320/month |
| Personal & Entertainment | $225/month |
| Recommended Savings | 15%+ of gross income |
| Emergency Fund Target | 3 to 6 months of expenses |
Reno anchors northern Nevada and has diversified well beyond gaming and tourism, drawing logistics and advanced manufacturing to the nearby Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (home of the Tesla Gigafactory) along with data centers, healthcare, and the University of Nevada, Reno.
| Local Metric | Reno (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 270,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Washoe County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 107 |
| Regional living wage, single adult | $20.50/hour |
| Regional living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $41.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $12.00/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,450/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,750/month |
| Median home price | $510,000 |
| Median household income | $70,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 8.265% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.65% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
With a cost-of-living index of 107 (US average = 100) and average 1-bedroom rent near $1,450/month, a single adult in Reno typically needs take-home pay of at least $4,550/month to cover needs and save. The regional living wage for a single adult is about $20.50/hour.
Split after-tax income into 50% needs (housing, food, utilities, transport, minimum debt), 30% wants, and 20% savings and extra debt payoff. In a high-cost city like Reno, the needs share often runs above 50%, so protect the 20% savings target.
Average rent in Reno is about $1,450 for a 1-bedroom and $1,750 for a 2-bedroom. A common guideline keeps rent under 30% of gross income, though that is difficult in higher-cost metros.
Based on the local cost-of-living index, typical monthly expenses in Reno run around $1,450 housing, $425 food, $525 transportation, and $170 utilities for a single person. The calculator is pre-filled with these estimates.
Aim for three to six months of essential expenses. In Reno, with monthly needs around $2,890, that is roughly $8,670 to $17,340.