Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia

173

Sterling Heights

Michigan

Alexandria is 86% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,031/mo ↑ 60%

Median Rent

$1,267/mo ↓ 38%

$113,638/yr ↑ 45%

Median Income

$78,429/yr ↓ 31%

$696,800 ↑ 167%

Home Value

$260,700 ↓ 63%

$2,173/mo ↑ 75%

Owner Costs

$1,243/mo ↓ 43%

156,788

Population

133,473

Tax Comparison

5.75%

Income Tax

4.25%

5.3%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.8%

Property Tax

1.38%

Affordability

21.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

19.4%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $764/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $9,168/year.

Median household income is $35,209/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Alexandria or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 173 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Sterling Heights?

Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $764/month.

Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Sterling Heights?

Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $35,209/year higher in Alexandria.

How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?

Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.

Should I move to Alexandria or Sterling Heights?

It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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.