Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Colorado Springs is 37% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,562/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 19%
$83,198/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 6%
$420,700 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 38%
$1,592/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 22%
483,099
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $4,769/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Colorado Springs 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 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $4,769/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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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