Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Scottsdale is 31% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,910/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 14%
$107,372/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 19%
$709,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 36%
$1,824/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 12%
242,169
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $20,393/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Sparks — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Sparks?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Sparks?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $20,393/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Nevada?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Sparks details →

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