Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Sterling Heights is 23% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,267/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 13%
$78,429/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 20%
$260,700 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 31%
$1,243/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 10%
133,473
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $15,709/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Abilene — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Abilene?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Abilene?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $15,709/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Abilene

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 Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland