Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Boston is 40% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,093/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 21%
$94,755/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 8%
$710,400 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 36%
$2,176/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 26%
663,972
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $7,776/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Sparks — common questions

Is Boston or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Sparks?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Sparks?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $7,776/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Nevada?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Sparks details →

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