Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Mesa is 15% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,478/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 12%
$78,779/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 10%
$364,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 25%
$1,404/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 15%
507,478
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $8,200/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Sparks — common questions

Is Mesa or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Sparks?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Sparks?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $8,200/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Nevada?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Sparks details →

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