Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Modesto is 38% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,609/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 21%
$77,899/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$78,429/yr ≈ Same
$415,600 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 37%
$1,613/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
218,614
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $530/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $530/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Sterling Heights

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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