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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Santa Rosa is 98% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$2,084/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 39%
$97,410/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 19%
$685,000 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 62%
$2,130/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 42%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $18,981/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Santa Rosa 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 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $18,981/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Santa Rosa details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Sterling Heights

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