Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Billings, MT (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Sterling Heights and Billings have a similar cost of living.

$1,267/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 13%
$78,429/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 8%
$260,700 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 20%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 5%
133,473
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $6,574/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Billings — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Billings?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Billings?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $6,574/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Montana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Billings details →

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