Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Austin is 6% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,655/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ≈ Same
$91,461/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 5%
$512,700 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 11%
$1,747/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 8%
967,862
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,482/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Sparks — common questions

Is Austin or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Sparks?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Sparks?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $4,482/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nevada?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Sparks details →

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