Let me tell you, folks, Mark Wahlberg is making a killing in Las Vegas ever since he picked up stakes from Los Angeles two years ago. But here's the twist—his wife, Rhea Durham, isn't exactly vibing with the desert life. She's feeling a bit restless and itching for a change of scenery.

Why Did Mark and Rhea Move to Vegas?

According to a close family friend, Mark and Rhea, who are 53 and 46 respectively, were crystal clear about their reasons for making the big move to Nevada. "They want to keep more of their hard-earned cash and grow their fortune by helping Las Vegas become a major player in the film and TV production game in the west," the friend told Closer. And guess what? It's actually paying off in a big way.

Mark’s Vision for Vegas

Back in the fall of 2022, Mark opened up about their decision to relocate. "Hopefully, after this gubernatorial election, we can push for legislation and get a bill passed so we can secure tax credits for the state, build a state-of-the-art studio here, and make this Hollywood 2.0," he shared on The Talk. His vision was not just about himself but about transforming the entertainment industry landscape in Las Vegas.

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Mark went on to explain, "I want to be able to work from home. When I was in California, I only managed to make a couple of movies during my entire time there. Moving here allows me to give my kids a better life and help them pursue their dreams—whether it's my daughter as an equestrian, my son as a basketball player, or my younger son as a golfer. It just made a lot more sense for our family."

For Mark and Rhea, the move wasn't just about a career boost; it was about giving their kids a fresh start. "We're excited about what the future holds," Mark said with enthusiasm.

Mark Wahlberg and Rhea Durham — Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Life in Nevada: A Thriving Career, But What About Rhea?

Now that Mark and Rhea, who tied the knot in August 2009, have been in Nevada for over two years, things are going well professionally. "Mark is getting films made, and they're definitely paying lower taxes," the Closer source explains. "They're building wealth, but Rhea is the one telling herself this is just a temporary situation. She misses the Southern California lifestyle big time."

But here's the thing—it might not be a permanent move for the family of six. "They'll be back eventually, once Mark feels he's made a real impact and their family has reached a new level of financial security," the source predicts. "That's going to take a few more years."

Bringing Friends to Vegas

In the meantime, Mark and Rhea have been inviting their friends to experience the Las Vegas lifestyle firsthand. "They're trying to show everyone they haven't made a huge mistake by moving," the insider adds. "Mark is still Las Vegas' biggest cheerleader, but they had a whole community back in L.A., especially in Beverly Hills, that misses them and is eagerly waiting for their return. Honestly, it’s only a matter of time!"

Earlier this year, Mark told People that his children—Ella, 21, Grace, 14, Michael, 18, and Brendan, 16—are settling in well. "It's a place where my kids can thrive and follow their interests," he shared with the publication.