Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Lincoln is 11% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,045/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 21%
$69,991/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 12%
$248,200 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 5%
$1,140/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
291,932
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $8,438/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Lincoln or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $8,438/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Michigan?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Sterling Heights details →

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