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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Downey

California
169

Sterling Heights is 49% cheaper than Downey.

$1,267/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 49%
$78,429/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 11%
$260,700 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 179%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 61%
133,473
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $8,971/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Downey — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Downey?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Downey?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $8,971/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Downey details →

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