Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Montgomery is 26% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,059/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 20%
$55,687/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 41%
$148,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 76%
$1,023/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 22%
198,440
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $22,742/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Montgomery or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $22,742/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Michigan?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Sterling Heights details →

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