Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Sterling Heights

Michigan

Albuquerque is 7% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,085/mo ↓ 14%

Median Rent

$1,267/mo ↑ 17%

$65,604/yr ↓ 16%

Median Income

$78,429/yr ↑ 20%

$266,700 ↑ 2%

Home Value

$260,700 ↓ 2%

$1,149/mo ↓ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,243/mo ↑ 8%

562,488

Population

133,473

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

4.25%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

1.38%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

19.4%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $12,825/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 87 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Sterling Heights?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $182/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Sterling Heights?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $12,825/year higher in Sterling Heights.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Michigan?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Sterling Heights?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.