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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Los Angeles is 48% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,879/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 12%
$80,366/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 8%
$879,500 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 48%
$2,055/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 22%
3,857,897
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $6,613/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Sparks — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Sparks?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Sparks?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $6,613/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 Los Angeles or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Sparks

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler