Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Salem is 17% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,323/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 25%
$71,900/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 21%
$382,400 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 19%
$1,440/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 12%
176,666
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $15,079/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Sparks — common questions

Is Salem or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Sparks?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Sparks?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $15,079/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Nevada?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Sparks details →

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