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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Sterling Heights is 10% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,267/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ≈ Same
$78,429/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 17%
$260,700 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 21%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 6%
133,473
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,237/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Dearborn?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Dearborn?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $13,237/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Michigan?
Both cities are in Michigan and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Dearborn

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 Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa