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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Modesto is 5% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,609/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 3%
$77,899/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 12%
$415,600 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 10%
$1,613/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ≈ Same
218,614
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,080/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Sparks — common questions

Is Modesto or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Sparks?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Sparks?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $9,080/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 Modesto or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Sparks

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler