Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Sterling Heights is 17% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,267/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 21%
$78,429/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 18%
$260,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 25%
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 14%
133,473
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $13,989/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Clearwater?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Clearwater?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $13,989/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Florida?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Clearwater

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 Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville