Cost of Living: Sterling Heights, MI vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Sterling Heights is 37% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,267/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 43%
$78,429/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 23%
$260,700 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 91%
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 48%
133,473
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sterling Heights, MI and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $17,716/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sterling Heights is $260,700 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights vs Westminster — common questions

Is Sterling Heights or Westminster 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 Westminster?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Sterling Heights or Westminster?
Median household income is $78,429 in Sterling Heights and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $17,716/year higher in Westminster.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Colorado?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Sterling Heights or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,267/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sterling Heights details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sterling Heights and Westminster

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 Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point