Cost of Living: Downey, CA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Downey

California
169
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Downey is 34% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,892/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 13%
$87,400/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$86,979/yr ≈ Same
$728,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 37%
$1,997/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 19%
111,793
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $421/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Downey vs Sparks — common questions

Is Downey or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Sparks?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Sparks?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $421/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Downey or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/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 Downey details → View Sparks details →

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