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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Sterling Heights is 43% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,267/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 25%
$78,429/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 16%
$260,700 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 40%
$1,243/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 22%
133,473
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $12,892/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Springfield — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield 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 Springfield?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Springfield?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,892/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Springfield

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 Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces