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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Midland is 12% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,407/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 10%
$91,169/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 14%
$298,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 13%
$1,468/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
133,998
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $12,740/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Midland 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 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $12,740/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/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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