Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Denver is 17% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,770/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 7%
$91,681/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 5%
$586,700 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 22%
$1,839/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 12%
713,734
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $4,702/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Sparks — common questions

Is Denver or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Sparks?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Sparks?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $4,702/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nevada?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Sparks

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler