Cost of Living: Peoria, AZ vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Peoria

Arizona
125
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Peoria is 44% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,743/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 27%
$93,403/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 16%
$429,400 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 39%
$1,589/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 22%
194,338
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Peoria, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 125 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $14,974/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Peoria is $429,400 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peoria vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Peoria 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 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Peoria and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Peoria is $1,743/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Peoria or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $93,403 in Peoria and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $14,974/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Peoria or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Peoria has a cost index of 125 with median rent of $1,743/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 Peoria details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Peoria and Sterling Heights

Peoria vs. Huntington Beach Peoria vs. Knoxville Peoria vs. Overland Park Peoria vs. Vancouver Peoria vs. Sioux Falls Peoria vs. Glendale 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