Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Sterling Heights is 8% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,267/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 18%
$78,429/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 21%
$260,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$263,200 ≈ Same
$1,243/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 7%
133,473
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $16,099/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lehigh Acres residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $16,099/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Florida?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Lehigh Acres

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