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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Arlington is 133% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,275/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 44%
$140,160/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 44%
$864,800 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 70%
$2,414/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 49%
235,463
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,008/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $12,096/year.

Median household income is $61,731/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Arlington 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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $1,008/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $61,731/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Sterling Heights details →

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