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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Sterling Heights is 29% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,267/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 32%
$78,429/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 26%
$260,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 36%
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 36%
133,473
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $20,686/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Carrollton?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Carrollton?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $20,686/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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