Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Augusta is 23% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,087/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 17%
$53,134/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 48%
$162,900 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 60%
$1,053/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 18%
201,504
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $25,295/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Augusta or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $25,295/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Michigan?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View Sterling Heights details →

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