Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Salt Lake City is 34% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,343/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 6%
$74,925/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 5%
$495,700 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 47%
$1,394/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
203,888
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $3,504/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,504/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Michigan?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Sterling Heights details →

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