Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Des Moines is 20% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,054/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 20%
$63,966/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 23%
$183,700 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 42%
$1,137/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
212,464
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $14,463/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Des Moines or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $14,463/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Michigan?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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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