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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Ontario is 21% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,916/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 14%
$82,806/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 5%
$568,000 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 20%
$1,967/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 18%
178,347
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $4,173/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Sparks — common questions

Is Ontario or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Sparks?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Sparks?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $4,173/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 Ontario or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Sparks

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler