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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Garden Grove is 102% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,971/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 36%
$90,166/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 13%
$765,500 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 66%
$2,016/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $704/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $8,448/year.

Median household income is $11,737/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Garden Grove 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $704/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $11,737/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Sterling Heights

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins 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