Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Arvada is 21% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,802/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 8%
$113,396/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 23%
$600,800 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 24%
$1,948/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 17%
122,835
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $26,417/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Sparks — common questions

Is Arvada or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Sparks?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Sparks?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $26,417/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nevada?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Sparks details →

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