Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan

New Haven

Connecticut

Sterling Heights is 8% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,267/mo ↓ 12%

Median Rent

$1,442/mo ↑ 14%

$78,429/yr ↑ 46%

Median Income

$53,771/yr ↓ 31%

$260,700 ↑ 5%

Home Value

$249,000 ↓ 4%

$1,243/mo ↓ 18%

Owner Costs

$1,520/mo ↑ 22%

133,473

Population

132,893

Tax Comparison

4.25%

Income Tax

6.99%

6.0%

Sales Tax

6.35%

1.38%

Property Tax

2.15%

Affordability

19.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

32.2%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $24,658/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs New Haven — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or New Haven 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 New Haven?

Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $175/month.

Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or New Haven?

Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $24,658/year higher in Sterling Heights.

How do taxes compare between Michigan and Connecticut?

Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.

Should I move to Sterling Heights or New Haven?

It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.