Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Birmingham is 29% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,047/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 21%
$44,376/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 77%
$138,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 88%
$991/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
199,322
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $34,053/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Birmingham or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $34,053/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Michigan?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Sterling Heights

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery 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