Michigan · Population 133,473 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Sterling Heights
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Sterling Heights offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 87 (where 100 equals the national median), Sterling Heights residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,267/month while earning a median household income of $78,429/year.
The median home value in Sterling Heights, MI is $260,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,243 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Michigan has a moderate income tax rate of 4.25%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.38% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Sterling Heights.
Common questions about living costs in Sterling Heights
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Sterling Heights, MI with 299 other major U.S. cities