Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Amarillo

Texas

Sterling Heights

Michigan

Amarillo is 18% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,049/mo ↓ 17%

Median Rent

$1,267/mo ↑ 21%

$62,469/yr ↓ 20%

Median Income

$78,429/yr ↑ 26%

$186,800 ↓ 28%

Home Value

$260,700 ↑ 40%

$1,074/mo ↓ 14%

Owner Costs

$1,243/mo ↑ 16%

200,945

Population

133,473

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

4.25%

6.25%

Sales Tax

6.0%

1.6%

Property Tax

1.38%

Affordability

20.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

19.4%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $15,960/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Amarillo or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 87 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Sterling Heights?

Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $218/month.

Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Sterling Heights?

Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $15,960/year higher in Sterling Heights.

How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.

Should I move to Amarillo or Sterling Heights?

It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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.