Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Fort Collins is 57% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,661/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 24%
$83,598/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 6%
$548,400 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 52%
$1,692/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
169,705
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $5,169/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Fort Collins 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 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,169/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Sterling Heights

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas 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