Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Houston is 30% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,313/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 26%
$62,894/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 38%
$253,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 80%
$1,316/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 22%
2,300,419
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $24,085/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Sparks — common questions

Is Houston or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Sparks?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Sparks?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $24,085/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nevada?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Sparks details →

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