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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Sterling Heights is 4% cheaper than College Station.

$1,267/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 8%
$78,429/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 34%
$260,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 25%
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ≈ Same
133,473
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $26,653/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs College Station — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and College Station?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or College Station?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $26,653/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and College Station

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 College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette