Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Long Beach is 94% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,803/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 30%
$83,969/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 7%
$762,200 ↑ 192%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 66%
$1,890/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 34%
458,491
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $5,540/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,540/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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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