Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Provo, UT (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Sterling Heights is 15% cheaper than Provo.

$1,267/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 9%
$78,429/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 20%
$260,700 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 68%
$1,243/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 2%
133,473
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $15,629/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Provo — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Provo?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Provo?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $15,629/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Utah?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Provo details →

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