Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Tacoma is 45% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,597/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 21%
$83,857/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 6%
$454,600 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 43%
$1,747/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
220,482
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $5,428/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $5,428/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Sterling Heights details →

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