What $700K Buys in Las Vegas vs California (With Real Listings)

If you are exploring what $700,000 buys in today’s housing market, the difference between Las Vegas and California is striking. For buyers priced out of markets like the Bay Area or Orange County, understanding what similar money can purchase locally is one of the first steps toward making a confident relocation decision.

In Henderson or Las Vegas, that same budget often delivers significantly more space, more bedrooms, larger yards, and a home that feels like a long-term lifestyle solution rather than a compromise.

In this post we will compare real listings in Las Vegas and California at around the $700,000 price point. We will look at the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, backyard space, and what that means for families, remote workers, and move up buyers thinking about relocating.

We will also point out specific Henderson areas like Green Valley, Anthem, and MacDonald Highlands, places where California buyers consistently find the space and lifestyle they want.

What $700K Buys in Las Vegas Metro (Henderson Included)

First, let’s start with the Las Vegas/Henderson active listings. All of these are real at the time of writing.

These three examples show what buyers are seeing on the ground when they search for a $700,000 home in Henderson or the surrounding Las Vegas metro.

A few common themes stand out:

• Four bedrooms are common at this price point

• Square footage often exceeds 2,300 ft²

• Backyard space large enough for outdoor living and play

• Family-friendly communities with easy access to parks and schools

  
  

One of the most consistent comments I hear from California buyers when they tour homes like these in person is: “We did not expect this much space.”

And for many the follow up is: “This feels like a forever home.”

That sentiment matters when you are comparing markets.

What $700K Buys in the Bay Area

Now let’s look at what roughly the same budget buys in the San Francisco Bay Area, including cities like Oakland, San Mateo, or nearby suburbs.

Here you can see some big differences from the Las Vegas examples:

• Fewer bedrooms for similar money

• Square footage frequently half or less of what you get in Henderson

• Backyard space is often limited or minimal

• Large HOA costs

  
  

What many buyers do not fully appreciate until they experience it is that what feels like a “normal sized home” in the Bay Area is significantly smaller than what a family tends to want for long term living.

What $700K Buys in Orange County

Orange County has long been one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Here is a snapshot of active listings around $700,000.

Once again the differences are immediately noticeable:

• Smaller square footage than Las Vegas comparables

• Fewer bedrooms

• Backyard space that is often insufficient for family activities

• Less separation between living spaces

  
  

For many families who have moved here from California, this difference is the “aha moment” that shifts their perspective. They realize that what felt comfortable in California no longer feels sufficient when they compare it to what is possible at the same price in Henderson or Las Vegas.

Side by Side: Las Vegas vs California at $700,000

To make the comparison clearer, here is a quick snapshot of the average figures from the active listings above:

When you look at the numbers side by side, the scale of difference becomes easy to see. Even within the same price range, the homes in Henderson and Las Vegas deliver about twice the space.

Why This Matters for Families and Remote Workers

For many California buyers considering relocation, this comparison is not just about square footage. It reflects how they want to live.

Here are a few of the ways buyers describe the difference once they see homes like these in person:

• They notice dedicated space for home offices instead of makeshift desks

• They appreciate the ability to have separate bedrooms for everyone

• They enjoy backyard living that supports gatherings, BBQs, and outdoor life

• They feel like they have room for their life, not just their furniture

  
  

One of the things I hear more than anything else is this: “This feels like a forever home.”

That feeling is powerful when a move is intended to support long term lifestyle goals.

Backyard Living and Outdoor Space

Backyard space may seem secondary until you see the difference side by side.

In Henderson and Las Vegas, houses at the $700,000 price point virtually all feature generous outdoor areas. Many include covered patios, room for a pool, and fenced grass or hardscape space.

By contrast, in most California markets a backyard at this price level is often limited to a small slab of concrete or a modest patch of grass with minimal separation from neighbors.

For families with kids, pets, or a love of outdoor entertaining, that alone can be a deciding factor.

Schools, Communities, and Quality of Life

Beyond the house itself, many California buyers relocating to Henderson mention the feel of the neighborhoods:

• Green Valley provides established schools, parks, and walking areas

• Anthem offers scenic views and a mix of amenities

• MacDonald Highlands gives a resort style feel with space and privacy

  
  

In many California cities, similar community features come with a much higher price tag and significantly smaller home sizes.

The ability to combine space, modern design, and community amenities for around $700,000 is one of the reasons Henderson continues to attract buyers from both the Bay Area and Orange County.

Making the Move

If you are considering relocation because your housing budget no longer buys what you want in California, understanding this difference in real, active listings is an important step.

This exercise is not meant to suggest that one market is better than another. It simply reflects how far a budget like $700,000 goes in different regions.

For many buyers, seeing that $700,000 buys more than double the space, more bedrooms, and true backyard living in Henderson becomes the catalyst for making a strategic move.

If you are weighing whether a move makes sense, seeing real numbers side by side is often the most helpful place to start. A $700,000 budget stretches very differently in Las Vegas and Henderson than it does in many California markets, especially when it comes to space, layout, and everyday livability. If you want a clearer picture of how neighborhoods, lifestyle, and home options compare, my Henderson relocation guide offers a practical overview to help you explore your options thoughtfully and at your own pace.