Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Milwaukee is 23% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,033/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 23%
$51,888/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 51%
$172,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 52%
$1,082/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 15%
569,756
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $26,541/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $26,541/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Sterling Heights

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson 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