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

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Reno is 60% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,453/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 105%
$78,448/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 121%
$498,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 206%
$1,482/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 106%
268,959
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,532/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $18,384/year.

Median household income is $95,222/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Reno or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,532/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $95,222/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Santa Clara

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville