Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Sterling Heights is 43% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,267/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 25%
$78,429/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 25%
$260,700 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 43%
$1,243/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 19%
133,473
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $19,713/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Peoria — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Peoria?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Peoria?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $19,713/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Peoria

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 Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo