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

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Ontario

California
152

Reno is 20% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,453/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 32%
$78,448/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 6%
$498,600 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 14%
$1,482/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 33%
268,959
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $4,358/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Ontario — common questions

Is Reno or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Ontario?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Ontario?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $4,358/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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