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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Durham is 17% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,412/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 17%
$79,234/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 10%
$355,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 28%
$1,434/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 12%
288,465
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $7,745/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 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

Durham vs Sparks — common questions

Is Durham or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Sparks?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Sparks?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $7,745/year higher in Sparks.
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 Durham or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Sparks details →

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