Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Raleigh is 26% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,468/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 14%
$82,424/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 5%
$377,800 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 31%
$1,487/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
470,763
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $3,995/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,995/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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.
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