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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Sterling Heights is 36% cheaper than Allen.

$1,267/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 48%
$78,429/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 65%
$260,700 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 65%
$1,243/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 68%
133,473
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $610/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $7,320/year.

Median household income is $50,701/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Allen — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Allen?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $610/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Allen?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $50,701/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Allen details →

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