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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Fresno is 16% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,324/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 4%
$66,804/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 17%
$348,500 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 25%
$1,391/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
543,615
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $11,625/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $11,625/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 Fresno or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Sterling Heights details →

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