Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Elizabeth is 29% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,463/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 13%
$63,874/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 23%
$393,500 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 34%
$1,543/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 19%
135,887
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $14,555/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Elizabeth 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $14,555/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Michigan?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Sterling Heights

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland 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