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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Sterling Heights is 62% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,267/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 89%
$78,429/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 40%
$260,700 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 305%
$1,243/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 98%
133,473
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,128/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $13,536/year.

Median household income is $31,644/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,128/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $31,644/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria