Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Metairie and Sterling Heights have a similar cost of living.

$1,159/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 9%
$73,256/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 7%
$308,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 16%
$1,186/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 5%
138,995
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $5,173/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Metairie 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,173/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Michigan?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/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 Metairie details → View Sterling Heights details →

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