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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Irving is 17% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,517/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 16%
$79,641/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 2%
$287,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 9%
$1,521/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
255,036
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $1,212/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Irving 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $1,212/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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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