Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Madison is 18% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,364/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 21%
$76,983/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 13%
$346,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 31%
$1,476/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 9%
275,568
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $9,996/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Sparks — common questions

Is Madison or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Sparks?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Sparks?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $9,996/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Nevada?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Sparks details →

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