Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Fort Wayne is 28% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$959/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 32%
$60,293/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 30%
$169,700 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 54%
$950/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 31%
266,235
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $18,136/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Wayne slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $18,136/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Michigan?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/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 Wayne details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Sterling Heights

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo 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