Cost of Living: Savannah, GA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Savannah

Georgia
84
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Savannah is 3% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,302/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 3%
$56,782/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 38%
$225,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 16%
$1,257/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 1%
147,546
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Savannah, GA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,647/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Savannah is $225,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Savannah or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Savannah and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Savannah is $1,302/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Savannah or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $56,782 in Savannah and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $21,647/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Michigan?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Savannah or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Savannah has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,302/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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