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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Sterling Heights is 48% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,267/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 73%
$78,429/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 30%
$260,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 127%
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 79%
133,473
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $924/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $11,088/year.

Median household income is $23,892/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Fairfield?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $924/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Fairfield?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $23,892/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Fairfield

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 Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill