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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Sterling Heights is 53% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,267/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 25%
$78,429/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 33%
$260,700 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 50%
$1,243/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 26%
133,473
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $26,178/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Evansville — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Evansville?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Evansville?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $26,178/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Indiana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Evansville

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 Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow