Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

St. Paul is 5% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,248/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 2%
$73,055/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 7%
$280,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 7%
$1,390/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
307,762
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,374/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 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. Paul vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is St. Paul 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,374/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Michigan?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Sterling Heights

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