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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Ontario is 75% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,916/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 34%
$82,806/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 5%
$568,000 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 54%
$1,967/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 37%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $4,377/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Ontario 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $4,377/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Sterling Heights

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa 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