Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Kent is 58% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,833/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 31%
$90,416/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 13%
$537,500 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 51%
$1,915/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 35%
135,015
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $11,987/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Kent 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 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $11,987/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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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