Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Richmond is 13% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,314/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 4%
$62,671/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 25%
$328,100 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 21%
$1,374/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 10%
227,595
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,758/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Richmond 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 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $15,758/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Sterling Heights details →

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