Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Lakewood is 62% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,746/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 27%
$85,789/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 9%
$548,200 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 52%
$1,729/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 28%
156,309
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $7,360/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Lakewood 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 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $7,360/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Sterling Heights details →

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