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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Santa Clarita is 56% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,486/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 34%
$119,926/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 27%
$721,000 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 37%
$2,649/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 39%
229,021
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $835/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $10,020/year.

Median household income is $32,947/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Sparks — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Sparks?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $835/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Sparks?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $32,947/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Sparks

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler