Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Cleveland is 41% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$894/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 42%
$39,187/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 100%
$94,100 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 177%
$866/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 44%
367,523
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $39,242/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Cleveland or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $39,242/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Michigan?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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