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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Pasadena is 13% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,201/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 5%
$64,270/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 22%
$193,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 35%
$1,141/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
149,345
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $14,159/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Pasadena or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $14,159/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with median rent of $1,201/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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