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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Thornton is 59% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,810/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 30%
$100,985/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 22%
$482,200 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 46%
$1,914/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 35%
142,878
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $22,556/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Thornton 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $22,556/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/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 Thornton details → View Sterling Heights details →

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