Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Joliet and Sterling Heights have a similar cost of living.

$1,237/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 2%
$88,026/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 11%
$248,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 5%
$1,472/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
149,785
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL 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 $9,597/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Joliet 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 Joliet and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $9,597/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/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 Joliet details → View Sterling Heights details →

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