Santa Rosa, CA vs Sparks, NV: 172 vs 126

$2,084/mo ↑ 26%

Median Rent

$1,651/mo ↓ 21%

$97,410/yr ↑ 12%

Median Income

$86,979/yr ↓ 11%

$685,000 ↑ 50%

Home Value

$455,900 ↓ 33%

$2,130/mo ↑ 32%

Owner Costs

$1,610/mo ↓ 24%

177,216

Population

109,106

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $10,431/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Sparks — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Sparks cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Sparks?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $433/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Sparks?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $10,431/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Sparks?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Santa Rosa

Sparks

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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