Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Tacoma and Sparks have a similar cost of living.

$1,597/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 3%
$83,857/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 4%
$454,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$455,900 ≈ Same
$1,747/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 8%
220,482
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $3,122/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Sparks — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Sparks?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Sparks?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $3,122/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Nevada?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Sparks details →

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