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

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Reno is 6% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,453/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 19%
$78,448/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 3%
$498,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 13%
$1,482/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 24%
268,959
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $2,703/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Reno or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Palmdale?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Palmdale?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $2,703/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Palmdale

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona