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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Sterling Heights is 37% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,267/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 41%
$78,429/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 80%
$260,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 84%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 61%
133,473
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $525/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,300/year.

Median household income is $62,924/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $525/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $62,924/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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