Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Baltimore is 33% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,290/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 28%
$59,623/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 46%
$219,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 108%
$1,333/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 21%
577,193
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $27,356/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Sparks — common questions

Is Baltimore or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Sparks?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Sparks?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $27,356/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Nevada?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Sparks details →

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