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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Plano is 52% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,792/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 29%
$108,649/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 28%
$440,600 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 41%
$1,829/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
287,339
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $525/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,300/year.

Median household income is $30,220/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Plano 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $525/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $30,220/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Sterling Heights

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison 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