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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Glendale is 70% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,095/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 21%
$84,262/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 3%
$1,043,900 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 56%
$2,212/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 27%
192,270
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $2,717/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 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

Glendale vs Sparks — common questions

Is Glendale or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Sparks?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Sparks?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $2,717/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 Glendale or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Sparks

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler