Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Rockford is 34% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$954/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 33%
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 47%
$120,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 116%
$947/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 31%
147,649
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $25,101/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Rockford or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $25,101/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/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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