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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Dayton is 43% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$866/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 46%
$43,454/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 80%
$93,200 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 180%
$833/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 49%
136,741
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $34,975/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Dayton or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $34,975/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 Dayton or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/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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