Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

St. Petersburg is 22% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,542/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 18%
$73,118/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 7%
$331,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 21%
$1,435/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 13%
260,646
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $5,311/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is St. Petersburg 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 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,311/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/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 St. Petersburg details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

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

St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake Sterling Heights vs. Coral Springs Sterling Heights vs. New Haven Sterling Heights vs. Midland Sterling Heights vs. Carrollton Sterling Heights vs. Kent Sterling Heights vs. Santa Clara