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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Austin is 54% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,655/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 23%
$91,461/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 14%
$512,700 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 49%
$1,747/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
967,862
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $13,032/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $13,032/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Sterling Heights details →

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