Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Fort Lauderdale is 52% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,776/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 29%
$79,935/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 2%
$455,600 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 43%
$1,778/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 30%
183,032
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $1,506/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $1,506/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Lauderdale details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Lauderdale and Sterling Heights

Fort Lauderdale vs. Shreveport Fort Lauderdale vs. Chattanooga Fort Lauderdale vs. Newport News Fort Lauderdale vs. Aurora Fort Lauderdale vs. Mobile Fort Lauderdale vs. Ontario 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