Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Spokane is 3% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,141/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 11%
$65,745/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 19%
$326,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 20%
$1,213/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 2%
229,228
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $12,684/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Spokane 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $12,684/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Spokane or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Sterling Heights details →

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