Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Toledo is 40% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$880/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 44%
$47,532/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 65%
$107,000 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 144%
$856/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 45%
268,461
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $30,897/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Toledo or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $30,897/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Michigan?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Sterling Heights details →

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