Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Salt Lake City is 7% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,343/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 23%
$74,925/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 16%
$495,700 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 8%
$1,394/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 15%
203,888
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $12,054/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Sparks — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Sparks?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Sparks?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $12,054/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Nevada?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Sparks details →

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