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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Santa Ana is 87% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,975/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 36%
$88,354/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 11%
$657,800 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 60%
$1,965/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 37%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $708/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $8,496/year.

Median household income is $9,925/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $708/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $9,925/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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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