Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Independence, MO (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Sterling Heights is 30% more expensive than Independence.

$1,267/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 16%
$78,429/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 24%
$260,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 36%
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 16%
133,473
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $18,949/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Independence — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Independence?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Independence?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $18,949/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Missouri?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Independence

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 Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor