Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Nashville is 26% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,486/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 15%
$75,197/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 4%
$383,100 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 32%
$1,471/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
684,298
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $3,232/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Nashville 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,232/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Michigan?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Sterling Heights details →

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