Cost of Living: Overland Park, KS vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Overland Park

Kansas
111
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Overland Park is 28% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,455/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 13%
$103,838/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 24%
$384,400 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 32%
$1,557/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
197,199
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Overland Park, KS and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $25,409/year higher in Overland Park. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Overland Park is $384,400 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Overland Park vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Overland Park 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 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Overland Park and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Overland Park is $1,455/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Overland Park or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $103,838 in Overland Park and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $25,409/year higher in Overland Park.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Michigan?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Overland Park or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Overland Park has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,455/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 Overland Park details → View Sterling Heights details →

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