Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Lexington is 6% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,101/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 15%
$67,631/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 16%
$272,100 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 4%
$1,160/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 7%
321,122
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $10,798/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Lexington or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $10,798/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Michigan?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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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