Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Aurora is 49% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,759/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 28%
$84,320/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 7%
$444,500 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 41%
$1,762/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
390,201
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $5,891/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Aurora 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 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,891/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Sterling Heights details →

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