Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Alexandria is 47% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,031/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 19%
$113,638/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 23%
$696,800 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 35%
$2,173/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 26%
156,788
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.85%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $26,659/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Sparks — common questions

Is Alexandria or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Sparks?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Sparks?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $26,659/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Nevada?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Sparks details →