Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Madison is 18% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,364/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 7%
$76,983/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 2%
$346,900 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 25%
$1,476/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
275,568
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $1,446/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $1,446/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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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