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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Denton is 15% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,344/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 6%
$73,719/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 6%
$325,700 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 20%
$1,461/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
146,987
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $4,710/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Denton 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 Denton and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $4,710/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 Denton or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

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Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe Sterling Heights vs. Coral Springs Sterling Heights vs. New Haven Sterling Heights vs. Midland Sterling Heights vs. Carrollton Sterling Heights vs. Kent Sterling Heights vs. Santa Clara