Cost of Living: Hialeah, FL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Hialeah

Florida
109
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Hialeah is 25% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,558/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 19%
$53,079/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 48%
$359,200 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 27%
$1,448/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 14%
221,901
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

35.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hialeah, FL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $25,350/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hialeah is $359,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Hialeah residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hialeah vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Hialeah 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hialeah and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Hialeah is $1,558/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Hialeah or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $53,079 in Hialeah and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $25,350/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Hialeah or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Hialeah has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,558/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 Hialeah details → View Sterling Heights details →

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