Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Charleston is 47% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,632/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 22%
$90,038/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 13%
$469,100 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 44%
$1,688/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
152,014
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $11,609/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Charleston 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 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $11,609/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Michigan?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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.
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