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

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

El Paso is 23% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,041/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 22%
$58,734/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 34%
$171,700 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 52%
$1,044/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
678,147
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $19,695/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is El Paso or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $19,695/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 El Paso or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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 El Paso details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for El Paso and Sterling Heights

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