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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Fresno is 20% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,324/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 25%
$66,804/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 30%
$348,500 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 31%
$1,391/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 16%
543,615
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $20,175/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Sparks — common questions

Is Fresno or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Sparks?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Sparks?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $20,175/year higher in Sparks.
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 Fresno or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Sparks details →

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