Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Sterling Heights is 18% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,267/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 16%
$78,429/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 1%
$260,700 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 29%
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 25%
133,473
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $1,014/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Manchester — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Manchester?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Manchester?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $1,014/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and New Hampshire?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Manchester details →

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