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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Milwaukee is 47% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 60%
$51,888/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 68%
$172,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 165%
$1,082/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 49%
569,756
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $618/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,416/year.

Median household income is $35,091/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 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

Milwaukee vs Sparks — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Sparks?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $618/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Sparks?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $35,091/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 Milwaukee or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Sparks details →

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