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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Tempe is 38% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,623/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 22%
$77,643/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 1%
$421,900 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 38%
$1,554/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $786/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Tempe 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $786/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 Tempe or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

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