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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Glendale is 146% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,095/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 40%
$84,262/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 7%
$1,043,900 ↑ 300%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 75%
$2,212/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $828/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $9,936/year.

Median household income is $5,833/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights 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 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $828/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,833/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Sterling Heights

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville 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