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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Long Beach is 34% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,803/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 8%
$83,969/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 4%
$762,200 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 40%
$1,890/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 15%
458,491
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $3,010/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs Sparks — common questions

Is Long Beach or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Sparks?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Sparks?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $3,010/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 Long Beach or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Sparks details →

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