Cost of Living: Miramar, FL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Miramar

Florida
135
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Miramar is 55% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,954/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 35%
$86,109/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 9%
$420,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 38%
$1,863/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 33%
135,986
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miramar, FL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $7,680/year higher in Miramar. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miramar is $420,300 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miramar vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Miramar 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 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miramar and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Miramar is $1,954/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Miramar or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $86,109 in Miramar and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $7,680/year higher in Miramar.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Miramar or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Miramar has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,954/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 Miramar details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miramar and Sterling Heights

Miramar vs. Pasadena Miramar vs. Victorville Miramar vs. Dayton Miramar vs. Elizabeth Miramar vs. Cedar Rapids Miramar vs. Stamford 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