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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Killeen is 14% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,147/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 10%
$58,339/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 34%
$196,000 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 33%
$1,176/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
156,144
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $20,090/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Killeen or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $20,090/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 Killeen or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Sterling Heights

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Sterling Heights vs. Coral Springs Sterling Heights vs. New Haven Sterling Heights vs. Midland Sterling Heights vs. Carrollton Sterling Heights vs. Kent Sterling Heights vs. Santa Clara