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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Fremont is 121% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,905/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 43%
$176,350/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 51%
$1,289,400 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 65%
$3,000/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 46%
228,518
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,254/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $15,048/year.

Median household income is $89,371/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Sparks — common questions

Is Fremont or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Sparks?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $1,254/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Sparks?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $89,371/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Sparks

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler