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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Sterling Heights is 29% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,267/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 35%
$78,429/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 24%
$260,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 47%
$1,243/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 43%
133,473
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $18,758/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Round Rock?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Round Rock?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $18,758/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

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