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

Santa Maria

California
137
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Santa Maria is 11% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,842/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 10%
$84,617/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 3%
$478,200 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 5%
$1,789/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 10%
109,880
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $2,362/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 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 Maria vs Sparks — common questions

Is Santa Maria or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Maria and Sparks?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or Sparks?
Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $2,362/year higher in Sparks.
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 Maria or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/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 Maria details → View Sparks details →