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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Pasadena is 75% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,218/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 26%
$103,778/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 16%
$1,045,000 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 56%
$2,340/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 31%
136,462
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $567/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $6,804/year.

Median household income is $16,799/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Sparks — common questions

Is Pasadena or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Sparks?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $567/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Sparks?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $16,799/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Sparks details →

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