Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Providence is 21% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,333/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 24%
$66,772/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 30%
$322,800 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 41%
$1,467/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 10%
190,214
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $20,207/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Sparks — common questions

Is Providence or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Sparks?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Sparks?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $20,207/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Nevada?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Sparks details →

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