Sparks, located in Nevada, is a vibrant city known for its proximity to Reno and the beautiful landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. Understanding the cost of living in Sparks is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this dynamic area.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $23.8 on average, with a range between $17.6 and $30.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $66.05, with prices ranging from $62.1 to $70.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.6.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic and imported beers average $5.42, cappuccino $5.63, and Coke/Pepsi $2.53.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.07 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $3.73.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $3.73.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.75 per kg, while oranges are $3.55 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes are priced at $2.66 per kg, and tomatoes cost $5.13 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.06, with a monthly pass priced at $62.5.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.15 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares are $2.63 per km, with a waiting charge of $21 per hour.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1299 to $1400, averaging $1349.5.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1080 to $1200, averaging $1140.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2285.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2000.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3559.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $3230.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $167.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $64.7, with an average cost of $52.35.
Worldwide
United States

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$23.80
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$66.05
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.60
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.42
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.42
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.53
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.45
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.63
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.07
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.73
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.73
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.90
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.18
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$13.40
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.22
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$8.98
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.32
Apples (1kg)
$4.75
Oranges (1kg)
$3.55
Potato (1kg)
$2.66
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.42
Tomato (1kg)
$5.13
Banana (1kg)
$1.77
Onion (1kg)
$2.99
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$15.60
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.06
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$62.50
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.63
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,349.50
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,140.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,285.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$167.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$52.35
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$74.50
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$38.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.85
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.70
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$86.50
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$3,559.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$3,230.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,210.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.65%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,339.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$25,659.00
Sparks Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Sparks offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and utility costs compared to larger cities.

Dining out can be relatively affordable, especially at mid-range restaurants.

Transportation costs are manageable, with public transport and fuel prices being fairly economical.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sparks, NV, presents a balanced cost of living that can appeal to both individuals and families.

With its affordable housing options and reasonable dining and transportation costs, Sparks is an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses of larger metropolitan areas.