Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Anaheim is 109% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,082/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 39%
$90,583/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 13%
$771,700 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 66%
$2,165/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
344,553
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $815/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $9,780/year.

Median household income is $12,154/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Anaheim 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 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $815/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $12,154/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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.
View Anaheim details → View Sterling Heights details →

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