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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Glendale is 17% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,397/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 9%
$70,139/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 12%
$347,000 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 25%
$1,356/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 8%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $8,290/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Glendale 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $8,290/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 Glendale or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Sterling Heights details →

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