Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

St. Louis is 24% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$978/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 30%
$55,279/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 42%
$185,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 41%
$1,013/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 23%
293,109
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $23,150/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is St. Louis or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $23,150/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Michigan?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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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