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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Fullerton is 124% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,124/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 40%
$104,219/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 25%
$859,600 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 70%
$2,251/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 45%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $25,790/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Fullerton 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $25,790/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

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