Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Portland is 10% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,596/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 3%
$88,792/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 2%
$557,600 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 18%
$1,771/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 9%
642,715
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $1,813/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Sparks — common questions

Is Portland or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Sparks?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Sparks?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $1,813/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Nevada?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Sparks details →

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