Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Fontana is 68% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,733/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 27%
$98,187/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 20%
$558,500 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 53%
$1,990/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
211,921
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $19,758/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Fontana 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 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $19,758/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Sterling Heights details →

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