Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Sterling Heights is 24% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,267/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 35%
$78,429/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 22%
$260,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 29%
$1,243/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 32%
133,473
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $17,450/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $17,450/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Miami Gardens

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 Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula