Which One is Bigger: Las Vegas or Florida?

When people think of big cities or regions in the United States, Las Vegas and Florida often come to mind. While Las Vegas is a bustling city known for its vibrant entertainment scene, Florida is a diverse state with multiple large cities and expansive regions. So, which one is bigger? Let’s break it down by comparing area, population, and other important factors.

Is Las Vegas One of the Biggest Cities?

In terms of area, Las Vegas is not the largest city in the U.S., but it does cover a significant area. As of 2023, Las Vegas spans approximately 135.9 square miles. While this is substantial, it’s much smaller compared to some of the largest cities in the country. For instance, Jacksonville, Florida, covers about 874.5 square miles, making it the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States.

However, Las Vegas is notable for its population density and its status as a major metropolitan hub in Nevada. The city’s population is around 650,000, but the broader Las Vegas metropolitan area has a population exceeding 2.2 million. This makes it one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the country.

Is It Cheaper to Live in Florida or Las Vegas?

When comparing the cost of living between Florida and Las Vegas, several factors come into play, such as housing, transportation, and food costs. On average, Florida tends to be slightly more affordable than Las Vegas, depending on the city you’re comparing.

For example:

Miami, a major city in Florida, has a higher cost of living than Las Vegas due to its thriving business sector and coastal proximity.
Orlando or Tampa, on the other hand, are more affordable than Las Vegas, particularly in terms of housing costs.

In general, housing in Florida is less expensive than in Las Vegas. As of 2024, the median home price in Las Vegas is around $400,000, while in Florida, the statewide median is closer to $360,000. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the location within Florida.

Is Las Vegas Small or Big?

While Las Vegas is relatively small in terms of land area compared to other large cities in the U.S., its influence, economy, and population make it a big player on the national stage. Las Vegas is considered a mid-sized city by area, but its international fame and significant tourism industry often make it feel much larger than its physical size suggests.

In comparison to Florida, however, Las Vegas is much smaller. Florida covers an area of 65,758 square miles, making it one of the largest states in the U.S. The state is home to major cities like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, which further contributes to its massive size in terms of both population and area.

Which is Bigger: Las Vegas or Florida?

It’s important to note that comparing Las Vegas to Florida isn’t exactly a like-for-like comparison, as one is a city and the other is an entire state. However, in terms of:

Land Area: Florida, as a state, is significantly larger than Las Vegas. Even when comparing individual cities like Jacksonville to Las Vegas, Florida’s cities are often much larger in size.
Population: Florida, with a population of over 22 million people, far outpaces Las Vegas, which has a population of around 2.2 million in its metropolitan area.

In short, Florida is bigger in every aspect—land, population, and city size.

Largest Cities in the U.S. by Area

While Las Vegas is relatively big in Nevada, it doesn’t rank as one of the top 10 largest cities in the U.S. by area. Here’s a look at some of the largest cities by land area:

Jacksonville, Florida – 874.5 square miles
Houston, Texas – 637.4 square miles
Phoenix, Arizona – 517.6 square miles
Nashville, Tennessee – 475.1 square miles
Los Angeles, California – 469.5 square miles

As you can see, Las Vegas doesn’t make the top 10 when it comes to land area, though its influence and population density are notable.

Conclusion: How Does Las Vegas Compare to Florida?

To summarize, Florida is far larger than Las Vegas in every measurable way—land area, population, and number of major cities. Las Vegas, while a popular and iconic city, is much smaller in size and scope when compared to an entire state like Florida. However, both Las Vegas and Florida offer unique qualities that make them major destinations for tourists and new residents alike.

When considering where to live, it’s important to factor in cost of living, housing affordability, and overall lifestyle. Las Vegas might be appealing for its entertainment and desert climate, while Florida offers diverse landscapes, a variety of cities, and more affordable living in many areas.

FAQs:

1. Is Las Vegas bigger than Miami? No, Miami has a larger population, but in terms of land area, Las Vegas is bigger.

2. What is the largest city in Florida by area? Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by area, covering 874.5 square miles.

3. What is the cost of living difference between Las Vegas and Florida? In general, Florida can be more affordable, but it varies depending on the city.