Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Houston and Sterling Heights have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 4%
$62,894/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 25%
$253,400 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 3%
$1,316/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 6%
2,300,419
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,535/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Houston 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 Houston and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $15,535/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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