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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Denver is 69% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,770/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 28%
$91,681/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 14%
$586,700 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 56%
$1,839/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $13,252/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $13,252/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Sterling Heights details →

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