Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Sparks, NV (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

St. Paul is 28% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,248/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 32%
$73,055/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 19%
$280,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 63%
$1,390/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 16%
307,762
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $13,924/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Sparks — common questions

Is St. Paul or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Sparks?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Sparks?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $13,924/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Nevada?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Sparks

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