Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Mesa is 23% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,478/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 14%
$78,779/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$78,429/yr ≈ Same
$364,300 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 28%
$1,404/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
507,478
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $350/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $350/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Sterling Heights details →

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