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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

McKinney is 59% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,841/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 31%
$120,273/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 35%
$439,500 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 41%
$2,101/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 41%
202,314
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $574/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,888/year.

Median household income is $41,844/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is McKinney 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $574/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $41,844/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Sterling Heights

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Sterling Heights vs. Coral Springs Sterling Heights vs. New Haven Sterling Heights vs. Midland Sterling Heights vs. Carrollton Sterling Heights vs. Kent Sterling Heights vs. Santa Clara