Cost of Living: Roseville, CA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Roseville

California
168
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Roseville is 93% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,099/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 40%
$117,354/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 33%
$630,600 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 59%
$2,226/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
152,438
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Roseville, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $832/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $9,984/year.

Median household income is $38,925/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Roseville is $630,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Roseville vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Roseville 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 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Roseville and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Roseville is $2,099/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $832/month.
Which city has higher income, Roseville or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $117,354 in Roseville and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $38,925/year higher in Roseville.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Roseville or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Roseville has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,099/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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