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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Fayetteville is 16% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,179/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 7%
$56,395/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 39%
$171,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 52%
$1,156/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 8%
209,692
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $22,034/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $22,034/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 Fayetteville or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/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 Fayetteville details → View Sterling Heights details →

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