Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Memphis is 22% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,123/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 13%
$51,211/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 53%
$157,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 66%
$1,087/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 14%
629,063
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $27,218/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Memphis or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $27,218/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Michigan?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Sterling Heights details →

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