Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Meridian is 4% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,714/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 4%
$98,686/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 12%
$485,000 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 6%
$1,607/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ≈ Same
124,865
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $11,707/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Sparks — common questions

Is Meridian or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Sparks?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Sparks?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $11,707/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Nevada?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/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 Meridian details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Sparks

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler