Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Hampton and Sterling Heights have a similar cost of living.

$1,346/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 6%
$67,758/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 16%
$234,100 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 11%
$1,347/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 8%
137,334
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $10,671/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Hampton 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $10,671/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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.
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