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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Tempe is 5% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,623/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 2%
$77,643/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 12%
$421,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 8%
$1,554/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 4%
186,419
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,336/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Sparks — common questions

Is Tempe or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Sparks?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Sparks?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $9,336/year higher in Sparks.
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 Tempe or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Sparks

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler