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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Irvine is 103% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,893/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 43%
$129,647/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 33%
$1,115,400 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 59%
$2,904/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 45%
308,160
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,242/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $14,904/year.

Median household income is $42,668/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Sparks — common questions

Is Irvine or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Sparks?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $1,242/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Sparks?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $42,668/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Sparks details →

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