Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Reno is 27% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,453/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 50%
$78,448/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 56%
$498,600 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 21%
$1,482/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 50%
268,959
Population
177,221

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $727/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $8,724/year.

Median household income is $43,781/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Reno or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $727/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $43,781/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Elk Grove

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