Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Bellevue is 187% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,505/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 49%
$161,300/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 51%
$1,203,100 ↑ 361%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 78%
$2,586/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 52%
151,199
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,238/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $14,856/year.

Median household income is $82,871/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Bellevue 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 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $1,238/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $82,871/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Sterling Heights

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Sterling Heights vs. Coral Springs Sterling Heights vs. New Haven Sterling Heights vs. Midland Sterling Heights vs. Carrollton Sterling Heights vs. Kent Sterling Heights vs. Santa Clara