Santa Ana, CA vs Sparks, NV: 163 vs 126

$1,975/mo ↑ 20%

Median Rent

$1,651/mo ↓ 16%

$88,354/yr ↑ 2%

Median Income

$86,979/yr ↓ 2%

$657,800 ↑ 44%

Home Value

$455,900 ↓ 31%

$1,965/mo ↑ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,610/mo ↓ 18%

311,639

Population

109,106

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $1,375/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Sparks — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Sparks cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Sparks?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $324/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Sparks?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $1,375/year higher in Santa Ana.

How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Sparks?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Santa Ana

Sparks

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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