Cost of Living: Pembroke Pines, FL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Pembroke Pines

Florida
130
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Pembroke Pines is 49% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,910/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 34%
$81,675/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 4%
$411,700 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 37%
$1,717/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 28%
170,557
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pembroke Pines, FL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $3,246/year higher in Pembroke Pines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pembroke Pines is $411,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Pembroke Pines residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pembroke Pines vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Pembroke Pines 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 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pembroke Pines and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Pembroke Pines is $1,910/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Pembroke Pines or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,246/year higher in Pembroke Pines.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Pembroke Pines or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,910/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 Pembroke Pines details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pembroke Pines and Sterling Heights

Pembroke Pines vs. Garden Grove Pembroke Pines vs. Lancaster Pembroke Pines vs. Clarksville Pembroke Pines vs. Fort Collins Pembroke Pines vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Springfield 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