Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Sterling Heights is 32% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,267/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 44%
$78,429/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 23%
$260,700 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 56%
$1,243/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 44%
133,473
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $17,828/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Richardson — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Richardson?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Richardson?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $17,828/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Richardson

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 Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater