Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Dallas is 11% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,403/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 10%
$67,760/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 16%
$295,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 12%
$1,409/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
1,299,553
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $10,669/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $10,669/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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