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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Phoenix is 25% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,458/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 13%
$77,041/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 2%
$381,900 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 32%
$1,430/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 13%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $1,388/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $1,388/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 Phoenix or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Sterling Heights details →

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