Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Chicago is 15% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,380/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 8%
$75,134/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 4%
$315,200 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 17%
$1,502/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 17%
2,707,648
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $3,295/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,295/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Sterling Heights details →

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