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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Lubbock is 14% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,137/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 11%
$60,487/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 30%
$197,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 32%
$1,179/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 5%
261,078
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $17,942/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Lubbock or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $17,942/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 Lubbock or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Sterling Heights details →

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