Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Naperville is 69% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,852/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 32%
$150,937/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 48%
$509,900 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 49%
$2,161/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 42%
149,424
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $72,508/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Naperville 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $72,508/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

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Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona 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