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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Hayward is 130% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,360/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 46%
$113,775/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 31%
$820,700 ↑ 215%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 68%
$2,420/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 49%
159,201
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,093/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $13,116/year.

Median household income is $35,346/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Hayward 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 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $1,093/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $35,346/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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 Hayward details → View Sterling Heights details →

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