Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Sterling Heights is 10% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,267/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ≈ Same
$78,429/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 32%
$260,700 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 28%
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
133,473
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,026/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Allentown — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Allentown?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Allentown?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $25,026/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Pennsylvania?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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