Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Newark is 15% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,330/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 5%
$48,416/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 62%
$337,800 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 23%
$1,419/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
307,188
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $30,013/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $30,013/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Michigan?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Sterling Heights details →

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