Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Tulsa is 23% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$998/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 27%
$58,407/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 34%
$189,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 38%
$1,027/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 21%
412,322
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $20,022/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Tulsa or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $20,022/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Michigan?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/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 Tulsa details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tulsa and Sterling Heights

Tulsa vs. Minneapolis Tulsa vs. Bakersfield Tulsa vs. Oakland Tulsa vs. Wichita Tulsa vs. Miami Tulsa vs. Arlington 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