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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Sunnyvale is 171% more expensive than Sparks.

$3,065/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 46%
$181,862/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 52%
$1,816,600 ↑ 298%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 75%
$3,016/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 47%
153,455
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,414/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $16,968/year.

Median household income is $94,883/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 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

Sunnyvale vs Sparks — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Sparks?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $1,414/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Sparks?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $94,883/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Sparks details →

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