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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Cambridge is 90% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,742/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 40%
$126,469/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 31%
$1,040,500 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 56%
$2,634/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 39%
117,794
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,091/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $13,092/year.

Median household income is $39,490/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 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

Cambridge vs Sparks — common questions

Is Cambridge or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Sparks?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $1,091/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Sparks?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $39,490/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Sparks

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler