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

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Sterling Heights is 10% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,267/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 5%
$78,429/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 16%
$260,700 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 17%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 6%
133,473
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $12,902/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Tyler — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sterling Heights and Tyler?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Tyler?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $12,902/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Tyler

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 Tyler vs. Riverview Tyler vs. Tuscaloosa Tyler vs. Dearborn Tyler vs. Allen Tyler vs. Sparks Tyler vs. New York