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

Ventura

California
183
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Ventura is 57% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,101/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 21%
$100,407/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 13%
$778,700 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 41%
$2,118/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 24%
109,900
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ventura, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 183 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $13,428/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ventura is $778,700 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

Ventura vs Sparks — common questions

Is Ventura or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ventura and Sparks?
Median rent in Ventura is $2,101/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Ventura or Sparks?
Median household income is $100,407 in Ventura and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $13,428/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Ventura has a cost index of 183 with median rent of $2,101/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 Ventura details → View Sparks details →