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

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Reno is 64% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,453/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 111%
$78,448/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 132%
$498,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 264%
$1,482/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 104%
268,959
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,612/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $19,344/year.

Median household income is $103,414/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Reno or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,612/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $103,414/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Sunnyvale details →

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