Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Antioch, CA (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Antioch

California
171

Sterling Heights is 49% cheaper than Antioch.

$1,267/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,241/mo ↑ 77%
$78,429/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$94,256/yr ↑ 20%
$260,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$607,400 ↑ 133%
$1,243/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,271/mo ↑ 83%
133,473
Population
115,759

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Antioch, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $974/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $11,688/year.

Median household income is $15,827/year higher in Antioch. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $607,400 in Antioch.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Antioch — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Antioch cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Antioch?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Antioch it's $2,241/month — a difference of $974/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Antioch?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $94,256 in Antioch. Median household income is $15,827/year higher in Antioch.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and California?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Antioch?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Antioch has a cost index of 171 with rent of $2,241/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Antioch details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Antioch

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 Antioch vs. Broken Arrow Antioch vs. Westminster Antioch vs. West Jordan Antioch vs. Manchester Antioch vs. Brandon Antioch vs. Richmond