Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Durham is 21% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,412/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 10%
$79,234/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 1%
$355,300 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 27%
$1,434/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 13%
288,465
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $805/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $805/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Sterling Heights

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo 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