Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Lakewood is 12% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,746/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 5%
$85,789/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 1%
$548,200 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 17%
$1,729/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 7%
156,309
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $1,190/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Sparks — common questions

Is Lakewood or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Sparks?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Sparks?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $1,190/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nevada?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Sparks

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler