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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Concord

California
187

Sterling Heights is 53% cheaper than Concord.

$1,267/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 76%
$78,429/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 39%
$260,700 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 190%
$1,243/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 84%
133,473
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $959/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $11,508/year.

Median household income is $30,766/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Concord — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Concord?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $959/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Concord?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $30,766/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Concord details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Concord

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 Concord vs. Round Rock Concord vs. Arvada Concord vs. Vallejo Concord vs. Clovis Concord vs. Meridian Concord vs. College Station