Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Cary is 7% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,621/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 2%
$129,399/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 33%
$525,200 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 13%
$1,744/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 8%
176,686
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $42,420/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Sparks — common questions

Is Cary or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Sparks?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Sparks?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $42,420/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Nevada?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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