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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Surprise and Sparks have a similar cost of living.

$1,917/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 14%
$93,371/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 7%
$396,000 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 15%
$1,587/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 1%
149,519
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $6,392/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs Sparks — common questions

Is Surprise or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Sparks?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Sparks?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $6,392/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Sparks

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler