Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Gilbert is 70% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,028/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 38%
$121,351/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 35%
$518,600 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 50%
$1,908/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 35%
271,118
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $761/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $9,132/year.

Median household income is $42,922/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Gilbert 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $761/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $42,922/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Sterling Heights details →

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