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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Clovis

California
130

Sterling Heights is 33% cheaper than Clovis.

$1,267/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,662/mo ↑ 31%
$78,429/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$100,360/yr ↑ 28%
$260,700 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$453,300 ↑ 74%
$1,243/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,851/mo ↑ 49%
133,473
Population
122,719

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
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Clovis, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $21,931/year higher in Clovis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $453,300 in Clovis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Clovis — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Clovis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Clovis?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Clovis it's $1,662/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Clovis?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $100,360 in Clovis. Median household income is $21,931/year higher in Clovis.
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 Clovis?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Clovis has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,662/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Clovis details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Clovis

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