Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Scottsdale is 90% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,910/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 34%
$107,372/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 27%
$709,900 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 63%
$1,824/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
242,169
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $28,943/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $28,943/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Sterling Heights details →

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