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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Pasadena is 153% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,218/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 43%
$103,778/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 24%
$1,045,000 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 75%
$2,340/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 47%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $951/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $11,412/year.

Median household income is $25,349/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $951/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $25,349/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Sterling Heights details →

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