Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Surprise is 45% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,917/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 34%
$93,371/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 16%
$396,000 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 34%
$1,587/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 22%
149,519
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $14,942/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Surprise or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $14,942/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Sterling Heights

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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