Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Sterling Heights is 16% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,267/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 27%
$78,429/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 4%
$260,700 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 4%
$1,243/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 24%
133,473
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $3,369/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and South Fulton?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or South Fulton?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $3,369/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Georgia?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and South Fulton

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