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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Sterling Heights is 3% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,267/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ≈ Same
$78,429/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 13%
$260,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 3%
$1,243/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 21%
133,473
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,887/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Elgin — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Elgin?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Elgin?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,887/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Elgin

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 Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont