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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

San Bernardino is 25% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,433/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 12%
$63,988/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 23%
$384,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 32%
$1,478/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $14,441/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is San Bernardino 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $14,441/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 San Bernardino or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Sterling Heights details →

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