Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Springfield is 9% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,114/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 14%
$51,339/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 53%
$222,700 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 17%
$1,276/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 3%
154,751
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $27,090/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Springfield or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $27,090/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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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