Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Sterling Heights is 43% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,267/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 42%
$78,429/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 45%
$260,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 130%
$1,243/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 57%
133,473
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $34,967/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Arvada — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Arvada?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Arvada?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $34,967/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Colorado?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Arvada

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 Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence