Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Garland is 10% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,525/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 17%
$74,717/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 5%
$248,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 5%
$1,445/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 14%
245,298
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $3,712/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Garland 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 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,712/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Sterling Heights details →

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