Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Sterling Heights is 27% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,267/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 27%
$78,429/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 3%
$260,700 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 52%
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 35%
133,473
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $2,224/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Lowell — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Lowell?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Lowell?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $2,224/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Massachusetts?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Lowell details →

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