Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Sterling Heights is 28% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,267/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 25%
$78,429/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 30%
$260,700 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 17%
$1,243/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 22%
133,473
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $23,253/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $23,253/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and New Mexico?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Las Cruces

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 Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria