Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Sterling Heights is 13% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,267/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 16%
$78,429/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 22%
$260,700 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 4%
$1,243/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 15%
133,473
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $16,975/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Lafayette?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Lafayette?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $16,975/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Louisiana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Lafayette

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 Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield