Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Providence is 14% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,333/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 5%
$66,772/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 17%
$322,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 19%
$1,467/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
190,214
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $11,657/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Providence 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 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $11,657/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Michigan?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Sterling Heights details →

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