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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

McAllen is 24% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,017/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 25%
$60,165/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 30%
$173,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 50%
$996/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
143,789
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $18,264/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is McAllen or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $18,264/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 McAllen or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/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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