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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Sterling Heights is 36% cheaper than Everett.

$1,267/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 32%
$78,429/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 4%
$260,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 104%
$1,243/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 40%
133,473
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $3,073/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Everett — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Everett?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Everett?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $3,073/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Washington?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Everett details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Everett

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 Everett vs. Miami Gardens Everett vs. Costa Mesa Everett vs. Pueblo Everett vs. Temecula Everett vs. Murrieta Everett vs. Ventura