Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Newark is 21% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,330/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 24%
$48,416/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 80%
$337,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 35%
$1,419/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 13%
307,188
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $38,563/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Sparks — common questions

Is Newark or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Sparks?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Sparks?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $38,563/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Nevada?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Sparks details →

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